Present perfect
Have you ever…?, I've just, for and since – and when to use the past simple instead.
The present perfect connects the past and now. It's very common in emails ('I've just finished my exams!') and in Speaking. Here's how to use it.
Form and uses
have / has + past participle.
Present perfect or past simple?
If you say when, use the past simple.
How it comes up in Part 6
In Reading Part 6 you write one word in each gap. The missing words are often small grammar words like these.
A starting point (when we were five) → since.
A period of time → for.
Asking about experiences: Have you ever…?
Common mistakes
- ✗ I've seen him yesterday.✓ I saw him yesterday.With 'yesterday' (a finished time), use the past simple.
- ✗ I live here since 2020.✓ I've lived here since 2020.With 'since', use the present perfect.
- ✗ Have you finished already your homework?✓ Have you finished your homework yet?In questions and negatives use 'yet', at the end.
'For' + a length of time (for two hours, for a week); 'since' + a point in time (since Monday, since 9 o'clock). If the gap comes before a time expression, check which one it is!
Quick check
Write one word in each gap.
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