The Present Perfect tense is a core grammar focus for English learners, especially those preparing for IELTS. Its flexible structure and usage can be confusing if you do not grasp the theory thoroughly.
Here, IDP will equip you with everything you need to know about the Present Perfect tense—its definition, structure, signal words, and practical exercises with answers!
1. What Is the Present Perfect Tense?
The Present Perfect tense describes actions or events that started in the past and continue to the present, or past actions with results affecting the present.
Examples:
I have lived in Bristol since 1984.
We have had the same car for ten years.
We have eaten at that restaurant many times.
2. Structure of the Present Perfect Tense
Sentence Type | Structure | Example |
|---|---|---|
Affirmative | Subject + have/has + past participle (+ object) | We have worked in this factory for 15 years. |
Negative | Subject + have/has not + past participle (+ object) | She hasn’t met her classmates for a long time. |
Yes/No Question | Have/Has + Subject + past participle? | Have you seen Gone with the Wind ? → Yes, I have. |
WH‑Question | WH‑word + have/has + Subject + past participle? | Why has she not drunk this coffee yet? |
3. Signal Words for the Present Perfect
These words often indicate the use of the Present Perfect:
For + duration: for a long time, for two years
Since + point in past: since 2000, since yesterday
Just • Already • Before • Yet
Ever • Never • Recently, Lately, In recent years
Until now • So far • Up to now
4. How to Use the Present Perfect Tense
The Present Perfect is essential for IELTS Academic and General Training. Here are common usage scenarios:
Use Case | Example |
|---|---|
Actions that began in the past, continue now, and may continue in the future | Don’t force her—she’s had dinner already. |
Repeated past actions | David has written five books. |
Past action at an unspecified time | Someone has taken my seat. |
Experience gained over time | She is the smartest girl I have ever met. |
First-time occurrences | This is the first time I have watched this movie. |
Past actions leaving visible results | Many people have died from COVID-19 recently. |
Adverb Placement:
just, already, never, ever go after have/has.
Yet goes at the end in negatives and questions.
Phrases like recently, so far go at the start or end of sentences.
Examples:
I have just come back home.
She hasn’t told me yet.
I have seen this film recently.
5. Present Perfect Practice Exercises
Exercise 1: Fill in with Present Perfect
She has been at her computer for eight hours.
Hannah hasn’t had any fun for a long time.
My grandfather hasn’t played any sport since last year.
You’d better shower— you haven’t had one since Monday.
I don’t live with family and we haven’t seen each other for ten years.
I have just realized there are only three weeks left in the semester.
Anna has finished reading three books this month.
How long have you known each other?
Have you taken many photographs?
Has Jack eaten at the Sheraton yet?
Exercise 2: Rewrite without changing meaning
She has lived in Hanoi for two years.
He has studied English since youth.
This is the first time I have eaten this kind of food.
She is the most beautiful girl I have ever seen.
I have never read such a great novel before.
Exercise 3: Choose just / already / yet
He’s just gone out.
I haven’t finished yet.
I’ve already done it.
Have you found a place to live yet?
I haven’t decided yet.
She’s just come back.
Master the Present Perfect Tense With Confidence
We hope this guide helps you clearly understand the Present Perfect tense and use it accurately. To strengthen your grammar and vocabulary, explore IDP’s free IELTS resources.
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