Unit 1 - Digital Age
Present Perfect Simple
Use the Present Perfect Simple to link past events with present relevance in precise, fluent ways.
1. Quick Reminder (from B1)
- I have eaten breakfast.
- She has finished her homework.
- They have visited London.
Structure snapshot: Subject + have/has + past participle (V3).
2. Nuanced Functions at B2
| Function | Description | Example |
|---|---|---|
| News + result | Announce recent news with present impact. | The committee has approved the new syllabus. |
| Unfinished time frame | Mention experiences during time periods that are still open. | We have achieved a lot this quarter. |
| Expected vs. unexpected results | Emphasise whether the outcome aligns with expectations. | Sales have surprisingly dropped despite the campaign. |
| Multiple experiences | Show repeated events over time. | I have met her three times at conferences. |
| Stative verbs | Prefer simple form with stative verbs to show duration or state. | I have known Dr. Lewis since 2018. |
3. Advanced Time Expressions
- so far, up to now, in recent years, over the last decade, lately, never before, already, yet
- Contrast markers: this is the first/second time, it’s the longest/best …
B1 vs B2 Focus
At B1 you joined past to present. At B2, highlight implications, expectations, or patterns the listener should notice now.
4. Questions and Negatives with Impact
- Have you ever experienced a project that moved so quickly?
- Hasn’t the team delivered every milestone so far?
- Why haven’t they responded to any of the emails yet?
These forms press for accountability or curiosity about the present situation.
5. Contrast with Other Tenses
| Tense | When to choose it instead | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Past Simple | Specific time mentioned or implied. | I sent the report yesterday. |
| Present Perfect Continuous | Focus on activity or duration. | I have been reviewing the data all day. |
| Present Simple | Permanent truth or scheduled facts. | The office opens at 8 a.m. |
6. Typical Errors to Avoid
| ❌ Wrong | ✅ Correct | Why |
|---|---|---|
| I have went to the store. | I have gone to the store. | V3 form is required. |
| Did you ever eat sushi? | Have you ever eaten sushi? | Use have/has for questions. |
| I have finished my homework yesterday. | I finished my homework yesterday. | Don’t mix finished time expressions with Present Perfect. |
7. Practice Ideas
- Share three professional achievements using the Present Perfect Simple.
- Write two questions about your partner’s experiences using ever and yet.
- Explain an unexpected result and how it influences the present moment.
Quick Review
- Build sentences with have/has + past participle.
- Use it for results, experiences, and actions within unfinished time periods.
- Pair with signal words like already, yet, so far, in the last few years.
- Switch to Past Simple when the time frame is finished or specified.