The Present Perfect Tense: Part w


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In today's lesson we continue our unit on verbs and we discuss the verb tense, the Present Perfect, and in this lesson we ask and answer the question: When do we use the Present Perfect Tense?

Before we begin, you might want to reference our lesson, " What Is the Difference between a Verb Tense and a Time Reference?"  You might also be interested in Part One of this unit, How Do We Form the Present Perfect Tense?

When Do We Use the Present Perfect Tense?

Use the present perfect tense when -

  1. the action began in the past and continues into the present.  

    If the time reference is unclear, use expressions that will indicate this time reference clearly.

    2. My parents have been divorced* for more than five years.  They got divorced in 1994.
    I love life and this love has helped  me many times throughout my life.
    Have I done anything wrong?  Yes, I've done many things wrong, but who hasn't made a mistake at some point?
    And I'm getting lazier.  I have been losing** my enthusiasm as I have grown older.  This is why I'm still in the remedial English course.  I also haven't been able to stick to anything I do.
    God is a spirit who people know but who they have never seen.
    *    passive voice
    **  present perfect progressive tense

  2. the action began in the past and continues into the present.  If the time reference is unclear, use expressions that will indicate this time reference clearly.

    Do I regret anything I have done?  There has been nothing to regret.
    If you do something wrong, you deserve to be punished for what you have done.

Please note that the present perfect tense - constructed with the use of the past participle - indicates an action or state of being that began in the past but may continue into the future.

Editing Practice and Editing Tips

 

WHERE'S THE ERROR?  

1.  EDITING TIP:  Check to see that you are using the correct VERB TENSE.

PROBLEM:
Since the earthquake occurred, I began trying harder in everything I do and stopped giving up so easily.

SOLUTION:
Since the earthquake occurred, I ___________ trying harder in everything I do and ____________ giving up so easily.


2.  EDITING TIP:  Check to see that you are using the correct VERB FORM.

PROBLEM:
I am going to ask my students what they like and dislike about what I have teached them.

SOLUTION:
I am going to ask my students what they like and dislike about what I ______________ them.

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