English — Grammar: The Present Perfect Tense — Formation and Uses — 2nd Year Secondary — Literary Stream — Algerian Curriculum

The Present Perfect Tense

1. Formation

Formation : Subject + have/has + past participle

• Affirmative : I have seen / He has seen / They have seen
• Negative : I have not (haven’t) seen / He has not (hasn’t) seen
• Question : Have you seen? / Has he seen?

2. Uses

1. Past with present relevance : I have lost my keys (now I can’t enter the house).
2. Life experiences : She has visited three different countries.
3. Unfinished time periods : I have worked here since 2020.
4. Recent past : He has just arrived home.
5. With ever/never : Have you ever been to London? I have never seen snow.

3. Time Markers

• Unfinished : since, for, ever, never, so far, up to now, lately, recently
• Recent : just, already, yet (negative and questions)

4. Exercises

Exercise : Complete with Present Perfect.

1. I (see) _______ that film already.
2. She (not finish) _______ her homework yet.
3. They (live) _______ here for ten years.
4. _______ you ever (eat) _______ sushi?
5. He (just arrive) _______.

Answer Key

1. have seen · 2. hasn’t finished · 3. have lived · 4. Have, eaten · 5. has just arrived

See also Past Simple and Present Tenses.