Present Perfect Tense Definition, Affirmative, Negative and Interrogative Sentences

Present Perfect Tense Definition, Affirmative, Negative and Interrogative Sentences

Present Perfect Tense

Present Perfect Tense is one of the most commonly used Tenses in English and is one of the most difficult subjects for everyone who starts learning English. This Tense in English denotes the near past tense, that is, the past tense just before the past tense.

The events that are meant by the Present Perfect Tense are the events that happened in the past tense and the effect continues even if the event is over. The events that took place with the Simple Past Tense are over, but the events described with the Present Perfect Tense are not over yet, and even if they end, their effects continue. Present Perfect Tense differs from Simple Past Tense in terms of continuing its effect.

How to Do the Present Perfect Tense?

The first thing you need to do to make the Present Perfect Tense is to use the auxiliary verbs have and has, which can change according to the subject. The subjects I, you, we, and they use to have auxiliary verbs. The subjects He, She, and It use the auxiliary verb has.

Present Perfect Tense has a feature that distinguishes it from other Present Tense and makes it more difficult. If you want to make a sentence with this Tense, the main verb you use after the auxiliary verb should be used with the third form of the verb. To give an example, the third form of the verb do is done, and when the verb do is desired to be used, it should be used with the done form.

Grammar Rules of the Present Perfect Tense

Affirmative Sentences: To make a positive sentence with the Present Perfect Tense, you should use the subject, the auxiliary verb have or has, the third form of your verb, and the object. The point you need to pay attention to here is that the subjects I, You, We, and They should take the auxiliary verb have. He, She, and It also use the auxiliary verb has.

• Alexandro (he) has lived in Paris all his life.
• Miley (she) has broken her leg after the car accident.
• Jayne and Katy have worked in this company since they moved in here.

Negative Sentences: The only auxiliary verb that separates the negative sentences from the positive sentences of the Present Perfect Tense is the addition of “not”. The verb should still be used in its third form.

• Katilyn (she) has not (hasn’t) watched that show until we showed it to her.
• Ciri (she) has not (hasn’t) seen this episode of our favorite TV Series.
• I have not (haven’t) gone to the cinema to see that movie.

Interrogative Sentences: In all interrogative sentences, auxiliary verbs are placed in front of the subject, if there is a question word, the whole sentence is placed behind this question word. The third form of the verb is also used in interrogative sentences.

• Has Alejandro (he) started a new job this month?
• Has Celine (she) finished her homework?
• Have you grown since the last time I met with you?

Here are other example sentences;

1.Have you ever been to Austin?

2.I have been her friend for twenty years.

3.Who have you spoken with?

4.The painter has drawn many pictures.

5.I haven’t seen her since she got off work.

6.I have been in Texas 5 years ago.

7.The telephone has rung all morning.

8.Has the post arrived yet?

9.I haven’t seen my mother for 6 years.

10.My son has earned money.

11.They have never met that man before.

12.Have you ever been to Mexico?

13.I haven’t noticed anything odd going on.

14.I have made you a cup of coffee.

15.I have ever seen the lake.