Present perfect

Life experience, recent events, and for/since.

The rules

  • Unfinished periods starting at a point in time: present perfect + "since": "have lived since 2019".
  • Life experience uses "have been" (visited and returned). "Have gone" means still there.
  • "For" + length of time ("for five years"); "since" + starting point ("since 2019").
  • "Just" sits between "has" and the past participle for very recent events.
  • "Yet" pairs with the present perfect: "haven't finished yet".
  • Superlative + experience: "the best … I have ever eaten".

Examples

  • I have lived in this city since 2019.
  • Have you ever been to Japan?
  • She's worked here for five years.
  • The train has just arrived.
  • I haven't finished the report yet.
  • This is the best pizza I have ever eaten.

Quick check

Pick an answer to see the rule behind it.

1.I _____ in this city _____ 2019.

2.Which sentence is correct?

3.She's worked here _____ five years.

4.Which sentence is correct?

5.This is the best pizza I _____.

More in Past & Future