Section 1 - Present Perfect
Uses with other present tenses
We use Present Perfect with other Present tenses:
Do you suppose they've forgotten they're meant to be here?
It's the only time I've ever really got angry with him.
However, we commonly use a Past tense to refer to somebody who is dead:
Princess Diana was the most extraordinary person I've ever read about.
It seems they've already decided without consulting us.
- with report/ comment verbs or phrases (guess, imagine, suppose, etc.):
Do you suppose they've forgotten they're meant to be here?
- with the phrase This is / It's / That's the first / second / only, etc. time ...:
It's the only time I've ever really got angry with him.
- when an event is unusual or unique in your life (often with a superlative and ever or never):
However, we commonly use a Past tense to refer to somebody who is dead:
Princess Diana was the most extraordinary person I've ever read about.
- when commenting on the present results of something in the past (usually with appear, seem, sound, etc.):
It seems they've already decided without consulting us.
Uses with past tenses
We use Present Perfect with Past tenses:
Ever since I first heard it I've been trying to find a recording of that song.
I've always felt we did the wrong thing when we took her on as an assistant.
- to describe states or events that have continued since a time in the past (with since, ever since, etc.):
Ever since I first heard it I've been trying to find a recording of that song.
- to describe long-term or repeated feelings and thoughts about past events:
I've always felt we did the wrong thing when we took her on as an assistant.
Use with another present perfect
We use Present Perfect with another Present Perfect:
- to describe two states that have existed since a time in the past:
Use with future forms
In time clauses (after when, as soon as, until, before, etc.) we don't use will, and so the Future Perfect will have done is not possible. In these cases we use the Present Perfect to refer to the future:
We'll continue the meeting when he's recovered his composure.
We'll continue the meeting when he's recovered his composure.
Use with since and yet
Note the position and emphatic uses of since and yet:
There was no news this morning but we've since learned that she's in Rome.
I haven't met anyone yet who can run as fast as him. or: I've yet to meet anyone who ...
Common phrases
They've made it! (= They've succeeded)
I've had enough. (= I'm fed up. I don't want to do any more)
You've had it! (= You're in trouble)
That's torn it! (= You, we, etc. have done something that someone else will complain strongly about)
Now you've done it! (= You've done something seriously wrong)
She's arrived. (= She's achieved fame, success, acceptance, etc. at last)
He's lost it. (= He's lost his patience or self-control)
You've got me there! (= Good point: I've no idea what the solution is)
I've had enough. (= I'm fed up. I don't want to do any more)
You've had it! (= You're in trouble)
That's torn it! (= You, we, etc. have done something that someone else will complain strongly about)
Now you've done it! (= You've done something seriously wrong)
She's arrived. (= She's achieved fame, success, acceptance, etc. at last)
He's lost it. (= He's lost his patience or self-control)
You've got me there! (= Good point: I've no idea what the solution is)
Check!
Correct these sentences.
a. It's the third time he missed a meeting.
b. As soon as he will finish, he's going home.
c. This is the best lasagne I ever have.
d. Since we've known each other, he always shows impeccable manners.
e. Since I've met her, I've never seen her lose her temper.
b. As soon as he will finish, he's going home.
c. This is the best lasagne I ever have.
d. Since we've known each other, he always shows impeccable manners.
e. Since I've met her, I've never seen her lose her temper.