The Present Perfect Simple

I have (not) go

How to Use the Present Perfect Simple

We use the present perfect simple in various situations. These situations are explained below.

1. With unfinished time periods: Time periods starting in the past and continuing now.

For example: This morning, this afternoon, today, this month.

Compare:

I visited my mother yesterday. I have visited my mother today.

Past simple Present Perfect

2. To talk about life experience. Your life is an unfinished time period.

Compare:

John Lennon visited Egypt three times. I have been to Egypt.

Past Simple Present Perfect

John Lennon is dead. You are alive.

3. To talk about actions that finished recently.

For example: I have just had lunch.

We often use just, already and yet in these cases.

4. To talk about change over time. The change started in the past and continues until now, or stopped recently.

For example: The crime rate has risen.

5. To talk about past events which have an influence on the present.

I have lost my keys. (I lost my keys and now I can’t get into my house.)

For example: Verbs connected with: thought processes (know), desires (like), senses (smell).