International TEFL InstitutePerfect Functions
The present perfect is the most commonly used perfect tense construction in the English language. Although it has many functions we will deal primarily with just four perfect functions.
A. It describes a state, event or habit that started in the past, and continues to the present and may continue into the future. For example:
- I have lived in this house for six years.
- We haven’t seen each other since graduation.
B. It describes an event that was completed sometime in the past, but which has some significance to the present. For example:
- I’m not hungry just now. I’ve just eaten.
- Have you eaten yet?”
- My car has broken down. (i.e. it’s not working now)
C. It describes an experience at an unidentified time in the past (usually one which you remember clearly). For example:
- I have done a bungee jump.
- Have you ever seen a Yeti?
D. It describes the overall experience of doing a certain action, i.e. the action is of repeated nature. For example:
- I have seen that film five times.
- He has been to many European countries.
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