the Present perfect tense

How do you make it? When do you use it?

~Form~
Look at the following sentences in the present perfect. Can you form a rule to make this grammar?

1. So far this semester, the students have worked hard in this class. 2. Everyone has been through difficult experiences during their lives. 3. Ive taught at ECC for seven years.

The present perfect has 2 parts:

But . . . what does past participle mean?

Past participle for regular verbs:

= the

same as the simple past tense. Regular verbs require ed in the simple
past tense. For these verbs, the past participle is the same. What is the past participle for these verbs?

Past participle for irregular verbs:

= depends on the particular verb.

Irregular verbs do not take ed in the simple past. For these verbs, you must memorize the past participle form. Do you know the past participle for these verbs?

Note: The simple past and the past participle forms are the same for certain verbs (i.e., teach, bring, have, send)

Challenge:
Find all the examples of the present perfect in the following paragraph.

My friend Jill and I have been friends for many years. We met when we were just 14 years old. Through the years, weve shared a lot of great laughs and great experiences. She was with me when I graduated from high school. We were even roommates once. Jill has always supported me during the difficult times, too. Shes always listened to me and shes always given me good advice. Last summer, we took a trip to Spain together. We had a great time and we plan to travel together again in the future. Were fortunate that weve developed such a great friendship over the years. I feel lucky to have a friend like her.

More Practice:
Complete each sentence with the present perfect form of the verb given. Be sure to use has or have + the verb in past participle.

Some students have taken (take) many English classes, while others have studied (study) English for just a short time.

The cost of housing in San Diego has gotten (get) more expensive in recent years.

Jaime Escalante has made (make) a real impact on the lives of many students.

You all have had (have) many accomplishments in your lives.

~Use~
The present perfect has many uses and is very common in American speech. Often its difficult for ESL students to master when to use the present perfect vs. the simple past tense.

Lets look at some examples and think about the meaning of each tense.

Martin Luther King, Jr. was an activist who fought for equal rights. He spent his entire life trying to make a difference for future generations.
Dolores Huerta has fought for decades to improve the rights of migrant workers. She joined forces with Cesar Chavez in the 1960s. Huerta has been an important leader for American workers.

present perfect vs. simple past?

Which tense is used . . . ? For action that is completed/finished?
Simple past

For action that started in the past but is still happening today? For action that has a connection to or is still relevant today? With a specific date or point in the past?

Present Perfect

Present Perfect

Simple past

More Practice:
you Go to the Internet addresses below. These sites will give some helpful practice.

Good Luck!
http://web2.uvcs.uvic.ca/elc/studyzone/330/ grammar/prperf.htm http://web2.uvcs.uvic.ca/elc/studyzone/330/ grammar/upperf.htm