to talk about actions and states that started in the past
and continue in the present.
I’ve worked here for over three years now.
She’s been really stressed since she started her new job.
to talk about actions that happened during a period of
time which is unfinished.
Ive seen him at least three times this week.
to talk about past actions when the time is not stated.
Pve been to Rome twice before.
Use the past simple
to talk about a finished action in the past.
I worked there for over three years. (= I don’t work
there now.)
to talk about past actions when the time is stated.
I saw him last night.
PRESENT PERFECT
Specific times in the past Vague times in the past
yesterday, five minutes ago, ever/never, not yet, already,
in 2000, the other day, so far, to date, till now,
last month up to the present
Present Perfect: Unfinished time
PAST PRESENT FUTURE
Past Simple: Finished time
PAST PRESENT FUTURE
Choose the correct form of the verb to complete the
sentences.
How’s Suzi getting on? Have you heard / Did you
hear from her recently?
She’s phoned / phoned last night and said /
*s said she’s really enjoying it.
How long has she been / was she out there?
Have you been / Did you go out to see her yet?
The first time she actually has fought / fought in
front of an audience has been / was fantastic.