UNIT 7 Present perfect (1) (I have done)

A. Study this example situation:

Tom is looking for his key. He can't find it. He has lost his key. 'He has lost his key' = He lost it and he still hasn't got it.

Have/has lost is the present perfect simple:

I/we/they/you have (= I've etc.) finished/lost/done/been etc.

he/she/it has (= he's etc.) finished/lost/done/been etc.

The present perfect simple is have/has + past participle. The past participle often ends in -ed (finished/decided etc.), but many important verbs are irregular (lost/done/been/written etc.). For a list of irregular verbs, see Appendix 1.

B. When we use the present perfect there is always a connection with now. The action in the past has a result now:

* 'Where's your key?' J don't know. I've lost it.' (I haven't got it now)

* He told me his name but I've forgotten it. (I can't remember it now)

* 'Is Sally here?' 'No, she's gone out.' (she is out now)

* I can't find my bag. Have you seen it? (do you know where it is now?)

We often use the present perfect to give new information or to announce a recent happening:

* Ow! I've cut my finger.

* The road is closed. There's been (= there has been) an accident.

* (from the news) The police have arrested two men in connection with the robbery.

C. You can use the present perfect with just, already and yet:

Just = a short time ago:

* 'Would you like something to eat?' 'No, thanks. I've just had lunch.'

* Hello. Have you just arrived?

We use already to say that something happened sooner than expected (see also Unit 110D).

* 'Don't forget to post the letter, will you?' 'I've already posted it.'

* 'What time is Mark leaving?' 'He's already gone.'

Yet = 'until now' and shows that the speaker is expecting something to happen. Use yet only in questions and negative sentences (see also Unit 110C):

* Has it stopped raining yet?

* I've written the letter but I haven't posted it yet.

D. Note the difference between gone (to) and been (to):

* Jim is away on holiday. He has gone to Spain. (= he is there now or on his way there)

* Jane is back home from holiday now. She has been to Italy. (= she has now come back from Italy)

For been (to) see also Units 8 and 125B.

EXERCISES