The Present Perfect is a present tense. It tells us something about now. Often we refer to past actions with present results, for example:
Yesterday, Carlos broke his arm. (Past action)
It is broken now. (Present result)
The Present Perfect connects the past (action) with the present (result).
Carlos has broken his arm.
You will notice in this sentence that there is no reference to any specific time; with the Present Perfect the time is not as important as the result. This structure is often used to refer to past actions or experience. For example:
I have been to Madrid on business. (However, we don't know When?: It might be three years ago, last week, or even yesterday.)
To ask questions with
What time?,
When? etc, and to make statements about when things happened (e.g.
at 5 o'clock, in 1977) we use the Past Simple.
A: When did you go to Madid?
B: I went on business last year.
Remember that both Past Simple and Present Perfect can refer to a completed action in the past. However, only the Present Perfect refers to a period of time that continues
from the past until now (and maybe into the future). Have a look at the following examples:
I have lived in Barcelona since 2001. (and still do)
She has spoken to the suppliers twice this week. (it's Thursday and the week has not finished yet)
We have visited London several times. (when?)
She has read all the 'Harry Potter' books. (the result is more important than the time)
They saw 'Harry Potter' last week. (to give or ask details about when, where, who)
Now have a go at the following short Test.
