UNIT 3. Present perfect

We use the present perfect when we want to show a link between the present and the past.

We use the present perfect:

· an action which started in the past and continues up to the present, especially with state verbs (see Unit 1, above) such as be, have, like, know, etc. He has known me for six years.

· a recently completed action. I have (just/already) finished my essay.

· personal experiences or changes. She has put on five kilos.

· an action that happened at an unstated time in the past. The emphasis is on the action; when it occurred is unimportant or unknown.

I have washed the dishes. Natalie has been to France twice.

Time expressions used with the present perfect: already (+) is used in statements and questions (to suggest surprise ). I have already spoken to Ann. Have you finished cooking already?

Yet is used with the present perfect in questions (?) and negations (-).

Have you paid the bill yet? Steven hasn't finished work yet.

Other time expressions we use with the present perfect are: always, just, ever, never, so far, today, this week/month/etc, how long, lately, recently, still (in negations), etc, for/since