A. Read the following conversation and notice the time reference of the action verbs and the verb structures in the sentences:
Teacher : Have you done your homework?
Student : Yes sir, I have done it.
Teacher : How many paragraphs have you written?
Student : I have written three paragraphs.
Teacher : Have you brought your work?
Student : Yes, I have.
Notice that each verb in the dialogue mentions a completed action; the action is over but there is still some effect of the action now. These are examples of present perfect tense.
Verb Form: The verb 'have/has' is used as an auxiliary verb after the subject and then the past participle form of the main verb is given. The verb form, then, is: have/has+ past participle form of the verb
These sentences are examples of the present perfect tense.
B. Now read the following negative and interrogative sentences in the present perfect tense and look at their structures:
I have not done my homework.
He has not come to class.
He has never told a lie.
Have you eaten lunch?
Where has he gone?
In the negative sentences, the negative word (not/never) comes after the auxiliary verb and in interrogatives the auxiliary verb comes before the subject.
C. Make correct sentences in the present perfect tence using given words:
- We/start/our journey
- Reba/wash/her clothes
- They/buy/a new car
- She/learn/the lesson
- He/not/come back/from school
- You/take/a bath?
D. Write five sentences in the present perfect tense describing what you have done in the afternoon today.
Read more
