The present perfect links the past to the present: it shows what you have done, what you have experienced, and what recent actions matter now.
Usage
Use the present perfect to talk about actions that happened at an unspecified time before now, experiences up to now, and recent events with present relevance. It often emphasizes the result or connection to the present.
She has never seen the ocean before this trip.
Form
The present perfect is formed with have or has plus the past participle of the verb. Regular past participles end in -ed, while many common verbs are irregular.
Signal Words
Signal words like already, yet, just, ever, and recently frequently appear with the present perfect and help show its timing and relevance. These words guide whether an action is expected, completed, or experienced.
Summary
The present perfect connects past actions to the present moment through use of have/has + past participle and is triggered by signal words that highlight timing and relevance.
More Practice
Complete short sentences using the present perfect with common verbs and signal words to reinforce form and usage.
More Reading
Additional exercises and explanations will deepen your understanding of how the present perfect frames experience and recent actions in English.
Last updated: Fri Oct 24, 2025