How to use the Present Perfect in English: for experiences

In this class, you’ll learn how to use the Present Perfect in English for talking about experiences.

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We can use the Present Perfect in English to talk about things we’ve done before now (in the past).

HOWEVER, the specific time when we did these things isn’t important. For example:
• I have climbed a mountain.
• She has been to Los Angeles.
• They have met a famous person.

For example;

Sally went to Paris in 2011. She can talk about this now by saying:
I’ve been to Paris.
When using the Present Perfect, we don’t say when the action happened.

Affirmative Negative Interrogative

I’ve seen it. I haven’t seen it. Have I seen it?
You’ve seen it. You haven’t seen it. Have you seen it?
He’s seen it. He hasn’t seen it. Has he seen it?
She’s seen it. She hasn’t seen it. Has she seen it?
It’s seen it. It hasn’t seen it. Has it seen it?
We’ve seen it. We haven’t seen it. Have we seen it?
They’ve seen it. They haven’t seen it. Have they seen it?

We often use contractions with the Present Perfect.

For example: I’ve = I have; you’ve = you have; he’s = he has; she’s = she has; it’s = it has; we’ve = we have; they’ve = they have.
The negative forms are: haven’t = have not; hasn’t = has not.
For example:
• She hasn’t seen the film.
• They’ve heard the song.

You’re going to listen to a dialogue with the Present Perfect.

Justin is interviewing people in the street. Listen and answer with Yes, she has / No, she hasn’t:
1. Has Natalie ever been to Paris?
2. Has she ever eaten Japanese food?
3. Has she ever ridden on a camel?
4. Has she ever met anyone famous?
5. Has she ever seen a rainbow?

Here are the answers:

1. Has Natalie ever been to Paris? Yes, she has.
2. Has she ever eaten Japanese food? No, she hasn’t.
3. Has she ever ridden on a camel? Yes, she has.
4. Has she ever met anyone famous? Yes, she has.
5. Has she ever seen a rainbow? Yes, she has.

SPEAKING!

Now it’s your turn! Answer these questions with short answers:
Yes, I have / No, I haven’t / Yes, he has / No, he hasn’t…
• Have you ever been to Japan?
• Has your sister ever ridden a horse?
• Have you ever eaten Indian food?
• Has your brother ever driven a BMW?
• Have you ever made a cake?

For more Present Perfect practise, check out our 5 level English book series perfect for self study!