Present perfect

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Use

We use the present perfect to talk about:

A current situation that started in the past
It connects a time in the present with the past. This is often in connection with the words “for” and “since” (if you think about the words, they always create a link to the past)
i.e. I have worked here for four years (I still work here!)

Past experiences where a time is not specified
i.e. I have been to Berlin (no time given)

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Form

We form the present perfect with the verb to have and the past participle of the main verb.

Irregular Verbs

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Positive Sentences

I have worked at 24 Quick Logistics since 2003.
He has lived in Berlin for five years.
They have known each other since 1999.

Negative Sentences

Negatives are formed with not.
I have not worked at Quick Logistics since 2003.
He has not lived in Berlin for five years.
They have not known each other since 1999.

Questions

Questions normally begin with the question words:
How long …?
Since when …?
and by inverting the subject and verb to have.
Since when have you worked at Quick Logistics?
How long have you lived in Berlin?
How long have you known each other?

Short Form

The following short forms are used in speech and informal writing:
I have – I’ve
you have – you’ve
he has – he’s
she has – she’s
it has – it’s
we have – we’ve
you have – you’ve
they have – they’ve

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