present perfect

/ˈprɛz.ənt ˈpɜː.fɪkt/

past action with present relevance

She has visited Paris three times.

The action (visiting) happened in the past, but the relevance (experience) continues.

grammar

A verb tense used to describe actions or states that occurred at an unspecified time before now and have present consequences.

I have finished my homework.

The homework was completed in the past, but the result (it being done) is relevant now.

They have never been to Japan.

The lack of experience (never visiting) is relevant to the present moment.

Often used with time expressions like 'ever', 'never', 'since', or 'for'.

Collocations

have/has + past participleStandard structure for present perfect tense.

Action that started in the past and continues to the present, emphasizing duration.

Use present perfect for experiences, changes, or actions with present relevance.

Do not pair with 'yesterday', 'last month', etc. Use simple past instead.

Derived from the combination of 'present' (current time) and 'perfect' (completed action).

Do not use with specific past time expressions (e.g., 'yesterday', 'last week'). Use simple past instead.

present

current time

root

perfect

completed action

root

English Dictionary