The Present Perfect (2)



Study this example conversation:


  • DAVE: Have you travelled a lot, Jane?
  • JANE: Yes. I've been to lots of places.
  • DAVE: Really! Have you ever been to China?
  • JANE: Yes. I've been to China twice.
  • DAVE: What about India?
  • JANE: No. I haven't been to India.

 

When we talk about a period of time that continues from the past up to the present time, we use the present perfect

(have been / have travelled, etc.) Here, Dave and Jane are talking about the places Jane has visited in her life (which is a period of time which is still continuing).


  • Have you ever eaten caviar? (in your life)
  • We've never had a car.
  • Have you read Hamlet?
  • No. I've never read any of Shakespeare's plays.
  • Susan really loves that film. She's seen it eight times.
  • What a boring film. It's the most boring I've ever seen.


In the following examples too, the speakers are talking about a period of time that continues until now, using such temporal adverbs or prepositions as recently / in (a period of time) / for (a period of time / so far / since.


  • Have you heard from George recently?
  • I've met a lot of interesting people in the last few days.
  • Everything is going well. We haven't had any problems so far.
  • I'm hungry. I haven't eaten anything since breakfast.
  • It's nice to meet you again. We haven't seen each other for such a long time.


We also use the present perfect with today / this morning / this evening, etc. even if the actions may be complete at the time of speaking, when we are referring to something that has happened very recently.


  • I've drunk four cups of coffee today.
  • Have you had a holiday this year? (yet)
  • I haven't seen Tom this morning. Have you? (seen him)
  • Ron hasn't worked very hard this term. (teacher to parent at the end of term)


We also use the present perfect when we talk about the first time that something happens. For example:


Don is having a driving lesson. He is very nervous and unsure because it is his first lesson.


  • It's the first time he's ever driven a car.
  • He has never driven before.

or

  • Linda has lost her passport again. It's the second time this has happened.
  • This is a lovely meal. It's the best meal I've had in a long time.
  • Bill is on the 'phone to his girlfriend again. That's the third time he's called her this evening!