Present perfect simple tense
Note: We use it when thinking about past and present as one thing
Unfinished time period (started in the past and still going on)
I've lived there for 6 years. (and still there today)
He's worked there since college. (and still there)
Effect on present
He has washed his car today. (the car is clean)
Mary has won some money in a lottery. (and still has some of it left)
He has acquired a decent command of Swedish when he lived in Stockholm.
(he can speak Swedish now)
News headlines (things just happened)
The plane has crashed in Russia killing everyone on board.
The Torries and LibDem has agreed to form a coalition government after the general elections.
Unspecified time (the 'when' is not important, but the action is)
I have been to Paris once.
She has met George Michael.
He has seen many strange things in his job as a lorry driver.
Time words before, recently, yet, already, ever, never
Have you ever been to Italy?
I've recently visited Rome.
They have never been to Paris before.
The train has already left.
They have recently left Bristol for Bournemouth.
Form:
I/you/we/they: have + past participle or regular verb
he/she/it: has + past participle or regular verb
Positive statements
I've met him once before.
You've been to work today. (it's still today)
He's lived with his parents since the divorce.
She's been married for 11 years now.
It's been a lovely weather all week. (it's Thursday today)
Negative statements
I haven't been to Russia yet.
She hasn't left the house all day.
We haven't watched much TV lately.
They haven't told their friends about having a baby.
Questions
Have you seen Pete today? Yes, I have / No, I haven't.
Has he left yet? Yes, he has / No, he hasn't.
Have they got married recently? Yes, they have / No, they haven't.
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