When to Use the Present Perfect Tense | With example sentences

The present perfect tense connects the past with the present. When using this verb tense, we can be talking about an action or event that occurred in the past but will be referring to how it relates to the present. We use the present perfect when describing certain life experiences. Imagine that you and your friends are at university and you’ve just come back to campus from the summer vacation; you are all very excited to tell your friends about your amazing internships or the beautiful places you went or the wonderful times you had with your family. One member of the bunch says, This summer I hiked Mt. Everest. Not to be outdone, you might say, I have climbed Mt. Everest and several other high peaks. Again, we use the present perfect to describe actions and events which occurred in the past, which are also of particular importance in the present moment. Examples: I have boated on three of the world’s longest rivers. We have never sailed the Atlantic Ocean. Lance Armstrong has won the Tour de France multiple times. Jessie has been to Disneyworld seven times. 2 To describe changes over a period of time We can also use the present perfect to describe events which occurred gradually and over time in the past, especially when these had a lasting influence on the present. As a further example, imagine that you’re low on petrol (gas in American English) and you stop to refuel. You notice that the gallon/litre has become very expensive recently and exclaim, Gas prices have really risen lately! Or, to provide another example, imagine you have an aunt you haven’t seen in some years. When you do see her again after about 10 years and she has become rather fat, you may say, Wow, Auntie, you have gained weight! Keep in mind, however, these are just grammar concept explanations and not a guide for how to maneuver family reunions. Examples: Jeffrey’s Spanish has improved since we spoke last. Erica’s heart has recovered from the illness. Timmy’s grades have worsened since last year. Our house’s value has gone up recently. 3 To describe accomplishments Accomplishments, especially big ones, usually have a lasting influence on the present; we use the present perfect to describe and relate these accomplishments and milestones. Examples: The United States has sent humans to the moon. The national GDP has grown by 3.2 percent! Ireland has won freedom! Grandma has perfected her cornbread recipe. A continuing action that started in the past Actions or events that are still occurring, but which began in the past, also require the use of the present perfect. While this type of situation often involves describing an accomplishment as well, it doesn’t have to, nor does it even have to be positive in nature. Imagine you were stuck on an island all alone without any personal items for a very long time, and one day, exasperated, you said to yourself, I have lived on this deserted island for six years. This would hardly be a positive situation; unless, of course, you enjoy solitude, in which case you probably go back to your cave and play with the pet parrot you’ve adopted. Examples: Jessie has played guitar for ten years. Emma has been a carpenter for a long time. Jim and Hank have worked at the newspaper for almost their entire lives. I have stayed awake for 13 hours.