ENG_B2.

0304G

Present Perfect
Small Talk
Grammar & Structure
Level B2

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Present Perfect Outline

Content
In this lesson you will review the use of the present perfect

Learning Outcomes
Review the the form and main uses of the present perfect
Understand when to use present perfect and simple past
Practice using these tenses

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Grammar

I have travelled a lot I travelled a lot last

this year. year.

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Grammar

I took the bus to I have taken the bus

work yesterday. to work for a year.

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Present perfect

Please note

In general the present perfect tense is used to

describe actions that are still happening or
that just stopped. However, these actions have
a direct influence on the present.

Examples
I have known my best friend since we were in college.
I have liked basketball for as long as I can remember.
My daughter has been sick for over a week.

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Present perfect

Please note

Present perfect has many different uses. For

example, it can help us talk about things and
actions that are still going on now (present) but
that began a while ago (past).

Examples
What is the difference between
We have been dating for two years. both groups of sentences? Notice
I have lived in Mexico all my life. the use of for and since.

It has been snowing in Boston for two months straight.

The baby has been crying since we came back from the doctors office.

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Present perfect

Please note

It can also help us talk about things that have

happened several times and that continue to
happen.

Examples
What is the difference between
I have done figure skating since I was 15. both groups of sentences? Notice
I have always eaten toast for breakfast. the use of for and since.

I have been watching that tv show for 4 seasons now.

Ross has been collecting rocks all his life.

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Present perfect

Please note
This tense also helps us talk about something
we have experienced up until now

Examples
Last Christmas was the best day I have ever had.
Have you ever visited Sri Lanka? What is the difference
between both groups of
sentences? Notice the
I have never loved someone as much as I love you. use of ever and never.
Rachel has never found a job she truly enjoys.

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Present perfect

Please note
Present perfect is also relevant when you are
talking about something that happened in the
past but that affects the present.

Examples

They have been here before so they know the tricky roads.
I have been working out all day, Im really tried.

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Present perfect

Please note
If you can answer the question how long?
about something still going on, then your tense
is present perfect!

Examples
We have been taking cooking classes for a month now.
How long have we been taking cooking classes?
For a month.

I have known Michaela since we were 10.

How long have I know Michaela?
Since we were 10.

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Present perfect

Please note

Present perfect is often used with adverbs of

time. Just remember not to use them when the
adverbs refers to past time that is finished.

Examples
Scientists have recently discovered that Pluto is not a planet.
Have you ever been to Mexico City?
I have yet to meet a celebrity.
Sheila has never met Dylan.

I have seen Titanic when we were 10.

Trina has just worked yesterday.

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Present perfect

Please note

Using present perfect or simple past can be a

little tricky. Just keep in mind that simple past
always refers to finished actions with no impact
now and present perfect for actions that might
still be happening or affect the present.

Examples:
He has written three books. He wrote three books.

He is probably still alive and is an He might be dead or retired.

active author that will likely keep He will likely not write any more
writing more books. books

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Present perfect

Please note
Here are some more examples of the distinct
uses of present perfect vs. simple past.

Examples
I have been to Italy twice. Kayla went to Italy twice last year.

I might still go to Italy again as I am still Last year is over and Kayla traveled to
capable to do so. Italy twice in the year.

I have called Trina this month. I called Trina yesterday.

It uses an adverb with unfinished time. Uses a finished time adverb.

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Present perfect

Please note

And some more examples:

I have lost my phone again! I lost my phone last month,

Now i need to buy a new phone,sign a I lost it, it was terrible but now
new contract, transfer contacts, etc. everything is ok.

We have been friends for 10 years. We were friends 10 years ago.

We are still friends today and do stuff Unfortunately we arent friends

together. anymore.

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Vocabulary

To influence
To affect

A while ago
To notice

Tricky

Figure skating
Retired

To be capable of something

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Review
Present perfect is used to...

Talk about things that started in the past but affect the present

Talk about experiences a person without a specific time

Answer the question how long?

Talk about things we have done many times in the past and still do today

Never use present perfect with adverbs that refer to

finished past like yesterday, last month

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Exercises

Speaking
When do we use present perfect? Explain at
least four situations when the tense is useful
and give an example
1.-

2.-

3.-

4.-

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Exercises

Speaking
Explain the difference between the following
sentences.
1) Ive been to Barcelona. Its beautiful.
I went to Barcelona in 2001.
2) Ive taken two aspirins today.
I took two aspirins this morning.
3) How long has he lived in London?
How long did he live in London?
4) You havent taken a break all day
You didnt take a break all day.
5) I havent finished the report yet.
I didnt finish the report.

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Exercises

Writing
Write sentences with the following adverbs.
Select the right tense.
1) Yesterday

2) Recently

3) Last year

4) Just

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Exercises

Writing

Which verb is correct? Why?

1) I havent finished / finished my homework yet.

2) I have seen/ saw Peter last night.
3) I have tried/ tried to call him last week.
4) I havent seen/ saw the new episode.
5) I have visited / visited Oliver twice last month.

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Exercises

Writing
Write sentences in present perfect using the
following verb.
1) Travel

2) Work

3) Cook

4) Work out

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Exercises

Writing

Answer the following questions

1) How long have you lived in your current city/country?

2) How long have you studied English?

3) Have you ever been to China?

4) How long have you lived in your house/apartment?

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Exercises

Writing
Fill in the blanks with either present perfect or simple
past. Sometimes pronouns are also missing.

1) _____________ (to meet) my friend Laura yet? She just __________

(to move) here.
2) We ____________ (not, to see) each other for ages! We should catch
up!
3) The last time we ________ (to eat) in that restaurant was months ago.
4) I _______________ (to study) English for 6 months now, and I feel I
have made big improvements.
5) Tim _________ (to live) in Korea for nearly 3 years and is now fluent in
the language.

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Thank you

We would like to thank

the following sources for their content
Images Shutterstock ID 15017248
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Thank you
for choosing to learn
with

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