Present perfect 2 (I have done)

Learn and practise the present perfect in English.

A Study this example conversation:

When we talk about a period of time that continues from the past until now, we use the present perfect (have been / have travelled etc.). Here, Dave and Jane are talking about the places Jane has visited in her life, which is a period that continues until now.

In the same way we say:

• Have you ever eaten caviar?
• We’ve never had a car.
• I don’t know what the film is about. I haven’t seen it.
• Susan really loves that book. She’s read it three times. (She’s = She has)
• It’s a really boring movie. It’s the most boring movie I’ve ever seen.

been (to) = visited:

• I’ve never been to Canada. Have you been there?

B In the following examples too, the speakers are talking about a period that continues until now (recently, in the last few days, so far, since I arrived etc.):

In the same way we use the present perfect with today, this evening, this year etc. when these periods are not finished at the time of speaking:

C We say ‘It’s the (first) time something has happened’. For example:

Don is having a driving lesson. It’s his first lesson.
We can say:

• It’s the first time he has driven a car. (not drives)
  or He hasn’t driven a car before.
  or He has never driven a car before.

In the same way we say:

• Sarah has lost her passport again. This is the second time this has happened. (not happens)
• Andy is phoning his girlfriend again. It’s the third time he’s phoned her this evening.