GRAMMAR & STRUCTURE
Present Perfect

Definition

The present perfect is a verb tense.

Example

My parents have gone to Sweden.

Explanation

The present perfect:

• is formed by the verb have + past participle.
• describes actions that started in the past and continue in the present.
• describes actions that happened at an unknown time in the past.
• describes actions that happened which are connected to the present.
• uses "not" between "have" and the past participle for negative present perfect sentences.
• uses "have" as the auxiliary in questions.
• uses "for" and "since" to express time for actions that started in the past and continue in the present (see chart below).

Related Sections

Participles
Past Simple
Present Perfect Continuous
Questions