Time Expressions Used With The Present Perfect Tense

A short presentation to show the uses of some expressions commonly used with the present perfect tense

1. TIME EXPRESSIONS USED
WITH THE PRESENT PERFECT
TENSE

2. FOR - SINCE
(used as prepositions in sentences with a
verb in the present perfect tense expressing
that an action still goes on)
•FOR: A period of time
Bono has performed on stage for 20 years.
•SINCE: The moment when the action started
I haven’t seen Mary since last week.

3. ALREADY - YET
(used as adverbs in sentences with a verb in the present
perfect tense when we are talking about personal
experiences)
•ALREADY: Sooner than expected (affirmative sentences
and some questions)
They’ve already sold 12 million bands.
Have you already done your homework?
•YET: The speaker is expecting something to happen
(negative sentences and questions)
He hasn’t found a sponsor yet.
Has the programme started yet?
Mid position (before main verb)
End position (end of sentence)

4. Other TIME EXPRESSIONS used
with the present perfect tense:
(In sentences with a verb in the present perfect tense when
we are talking about personal experiences)
•JUST: Only a moment ago
The train has just left.
•EVER: At any time
Have you ever done any charity challenges?
We haven’t ever eaten in this restaurant.
•NEVER: At no time
I’ve never been there.
Mid position (before main verb)
Mid position (before main verb)
Mid position (before main verb)

5. •RECENTLY: At a time immediately before the present
Has Janet talked to him recently?
•LATELY: Not long ago
Have you seen her lately?
•ONCE: One time
I’ve been to London once in my life.
•TWICE: Two times
I’ve been to London twice in my life.
•THREE TIMES...:
I’ve been to Paris three times in the last 5 years.
Usually, end position
Usually, end position
Usually, towards the end of sentence
Usually, towards the end of sentence
Usually, towards the end of sentence

6. QUESTIONS
•How long have you taught English at
Secondary School?
I have taught English at Secondary School
for 18 years.
•Since when have you taught English at
Secondary School?
I have taught English at Secondary School
since 1992.