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?
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:
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.