Present perfect
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Traduction
Présent Parfait (Français) / Present Perfect (Anglais) / المضارع التام (Arabe) / Pretérito Perfecto (Espagnol) / Pretérito Perfeito Composto (Portugais) / Настоящее совершённое время (Russe) / Passato Prossimo (Italien) / Perfekt (Allemand) / 现在完成时 (Chinois (Mandarin)) / पूर्ण वर्तमान (Hindi) / 現在完了形 (Japonais) / বর্তমান পরিপূর্ণ কাল (Bengali) / Perfectum (Néerlandais) / Timpul Perfect (Roumain) / Perfektum (Suédois) / Prezent Perfect (Polonais) / Простое совершённое время (Ukrainien). }}
Définition
Domaine, Discipline, Thématique

Définition écrite
Basic Definition The present perfect is a verb tense used to talk about actions or experiences that happened at an unspecified time in the past but are relevant to the present. It is formed using "have" or "has" and the past participle of the main verb.
Example: I have finished my homework.
Example: I have lived in this city for five years.
Example: She has already finished her lunch.
1. Action completed with present relevance: It indicates that an action has been completed, but its result or relevance continues to the present. Example: I have lost my keys. (The result is that the keys are still lost now.)
2. Experience: It is used to talk about life experiences without specifying when the event occurred. Example: I have visited Paris many times.
3. Duration: It expresses actions or states that started in the past and continue into the present, often with the prepositions "for" (indicating the length of time) and "since" (indicating the starting point). Example: They have been married for ten years. (They started being married in the past and are still married now.)
4. Unspecified past time: It refers to actions that occurred at an unspecified time before the present. Example: He has already finished his work. (The exact time is not mentioned, only the completion of the task.)
5. Negative and interrogative forms: In the negative, it is used to indicate that an action has not happened, and in questions, it often inquires about experiences or actions that have an impact on the present. Example (negative): I have not seen that movie. Example (question): Have you ever been to London? This tense bridges the past and the present, underscoring the ongoing relevance of past actions or experiences. |

Définition graphique
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Present perfect (Discipline)
Present perfect: (Discipline)
Present perfect: (Discipline)
Present perfect: (Discipline)
Present perfect: (Discipline)
Present perfect
Present perfect
Représentation graphique spatiale [1]
Document PDF Present perfect: Document PDF
Image/Figure Present perfect: Titre de l'image ou de la figure
Concepts ou notions associés
Ethical Communication / Linguistic Inclusivity / Cultural Sensitivity / Social Equity / Educational Access / Digital Literacy / Data Privacy / Intellectual Property / Fair Use / Plagiarism Prevention / Accessibility Standards / Language Policy / Equal Opportunity / Economic Barriers / Language Economy / Labor Market Relevance / Professional Communication / Social Integration / Ethical AI Use / Legal Frameworks / Freedom of Speech / Responsibility in Education / Multilingualism Benefits / Discrimination Prevention / Conflict Resolution / Sustainable Development / Media Literacy / Language and Identity / Workplace Communication / Globalization Impacts / Community Building / Social Media Ethics / Public Speaking Norms / Language Rights / Linguistic Justice / Teacher Accountability / Student Privacy / Collaborative Ethics / Resource Allocation / Policy Compliance / Open Access Materials / Economic Implications / Funding and Resources / Equity in Assessment / Technological Ethics / Citizenship Education / Critical Thinking / Inclusive Pedagogy / Legal Compliance / Democratic Values /

Exemples, applications, utilisations
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Erreurs ou confusions éventuelles
Exemples de difficultés de compréhension ou d'interprétation courantes:
- 1. What is the difference between the "present perfect" and the "simple past"?: The present perfect expresses an action that happened at an unspecified time in the past but has relevance to the present, while the simple past indicates a completed action at a specific time in the past with no direct connection to the present.
- 2. Can the present perfect be used to describe an action that started in the past and continues in the present?: Yes, using expressions like "since" or "for," the present perfect can describe an action that began in the past and continues into the present (e.g., "I have lived here for five years").
- 3. Why do we use "since" in the present perfect?: "Since" is used to indicate the starting point of an action that began in the past and continues into the present (e.g., "I have known him since 2010").
- 4. What is the function of "for" in a present perfect sentence?: "For" is used to indicate the duration of an action that started in the past and continues into the present (e.g., "I have worked here for ten years").
- 5. Can we use the present perfect to describe an action that has just finished?: Yes, especially when the action has a direct connection to the present. For example, "I have just finished my homework."
- 6. When should we use the present perfect instead of the present perfect continuous?: The present perfect is used to focus on the result of a completed action, while the present perfect continuous emphasizes the duration or process of the action (e.g., "I have read the book" vs "I have been reading the book").
- 7. Can you say "I have been to the cinema yesterday"?: No, because "yesterday" refers to a specific time in the past, which requires the use of the simple past. The correct sentence would be "I went to the cinema yesterday."
- 8. What is the difference between "ever" and "never" in the present perfect?: "Ever" is used in questions to ask if someone has experienced something in their life, while "never" means an action has not occurred at any time (e.g., "Have you ever been to Paris?" vs "I have never been to Paris").
- 9. Can the present perfect be used for an action that has just finished?: Yes, the present perfect is used to indicate an action that has just finished, especially with "just" (e.g., "I have just eaten lunch").
- 10. Why don’t we use the present perfect with specific time expressions like "last year"?: The present perfect is not used with time expressions that refer to a specific point in the past, such as "last year." In these cases, the simple past is used (e.g., "I saw him last year").
Confusions ou glissement de sens potentiels
- Present perfect vs simple past: Many learners confuse the present perfect with the simple past, thinking they are interchangeable. The simple past refers to actions that happened at a specific time in the past, with no direct connection to the present, while the present perfect refers to actions that happened at an unspecified time, with relevance to the present moment.
- Present perfect vs present perfect continuous: Learners may struggle with choosing between the present perfect and the present perfect continuous. The present perfect focuses on the result of an action, while the present perfect continuous emphasizes the ongoing process or duration of the action (e.g., "I have lived here" vs "I have been living here").
- Ever vs never: "Ever" and "never" are commonly confused, especially in questions about experiences. "Ever" asks if something has happened at any time in the past, whereas "never" indicates that the action has not happened at any time (e.g., "Have you ever been to Paris?" vs "I have never been to Paris").
- Present perfect with specific time expressions: Some learners mistakenly use the present perfect with specific time expressions such as "yesterday" or "last year," thinking that these can be used with the present perfect. However, these time expressions refer to specific points in the past, so the simple past should be used instead.
- Present perfect with finished actions: Learners may misunderstand the present perfect when it comes to completed actions. The present perfect is used for actions that are relevant to the present moment, not just completed actions in isolation. For example, "I have eaten lunch" implies that the lunch is relevant now (e.g., not hungry), rather than just a past event.
- Since vs for: The distinction between "since" and "for" can be confusing. "Since" refers to the starting point of an action, while "for" refers to the duration of an action. Incorrect use of these can lead to confusion, such as saying "I have worked here for 2010" instead of "I have worked here since 2010."
- Present perfect with "just" and "already": Learners might confuse the usage of "just" and "already" in the present perfect. "Just" is used to indicate something that has happened recently, while "already" emphasizes that something has happened earlier than expected. For example, "I have just eaten lunch" vs "I have already eaten lunch."
- Present perfect with negative expressions: Learners may find it confusing when to use negative expressions with the present perfect. In the negative form, the present perfect is used to show that an action has not happened up to the present moment (e.g., "I have not seen that movie"), but this can be easily confused with the simple past negative.
- Present perfect for life experiences vs specific events: Learners might mix up the use of present perfect for life experiences and specific events. The present perfect is used for life experiences (e.g., "I have visited Paris"), but learners may mistakenly use it to talk about specific events that are tied to a particular moment in the past, which should instead use the simple past.
- Present perfect with time markers like "yesterday": Another confusion occurs when learners use time markers like "yesterday," which are typically associated with the simple past, alongside the present perfect. This is incorrect because the present perfect should be used when the specific time is unspecified or unimportant.
- Confusion between past participle and base verb: Learners often use the base form of the verb instead of the past participle when forming the present perfect. For example, saying "I have eat lunch" instead of "I have eaten lunch."
- Use of "have" without auxiliary verb: Some students mistakenly omit the auxiliary verb "have" or "has" and form the present perfect using only the past participle. For instance, "She finished the project" instead of "She has finished the project."
- Incorrect use of present perfect with definite time references: Students may try to use the present perfect with specific time references like "last week" or "in 2020," when the simple past should be used. For example, saying "I have visited Paris last year" instead of "I visited Paris last year."
- Overuse of present perfect: Learners sometimes overuse the present perfect, even when the action is clearly finished or disconnected from the present. For example, using "I have played the piano yesterday" instead of "I played the piano yesterday."
- Incorrect word order in questions: When forming questions in the present perfect, some learners may forget the auxiliary verb "have" or "has." For example, "You have been to London?" instead of "Have you been to London?"
- Using present perfect instead of past continuous: In some cases, students use the present perfect when they should use the past continuous to emphasize the ongoing nature of an action in the past. For example, "I have been reading a book when you called" instead of "I was reading a book when you called."
- Using present perfect for future events: Sometimes learners confuse the present perfect with future tenses. For example, saying "I have met him tomorrow" instead of "I will meet him tomorrow."
- Misuse of time expressions with the present perfect: Using time expressions like "today," "this week," or "this year" with the present perfect can be confusing if not used properly. For example, "I have seen her today" is correct, but "I have seen her this morning" may be confusing if the morning is already in the past and not directly connected to the present.
- Inconsistent use of negative forms: Learners often struggle with the negative form of the present perfect. For instance, saying "I not have seen the movie" instead of "I have not seen the movie."
- Confusion between present perfect and simple present: Some learners use the present perfect in situations where the simple present is more appropriate, such as when talking about general truths or routines. For example, "I have go to the gym every day" instead of "I go to the gym every day."
Questions possibles
- What is the present perfect and when is it used?: The present perfect is a tense used to express an action that started in the past and has a connection to the present. It is often used to talk about life experiences, recent actions with a result, or actions that continue until the present.
- Why do we use "have" or "has" in the present perfect?: "Have" or "has" is used as an auxiliary verb to form the present perfect tense. "Have" is used for "I", "you", "we", and "they", while "has" is used for "he", "she", and "it".
- Can the present perfect be used for an action with a specific time in the past?: No, the present perfect is not used for actions that happened at a specific time in the past. We use the past simple for that (e.g., "I visited Paris last year," not "I have visited Paris last year").
- Can we use "since" and "for" in a present perfect sentence?: Yes, "since" is used to indicate a specific point in time (e.g., "since 2010"), while "for" is used to indicate a duration (e.g., "for five years").
- Why doesn't the present perfect require a specific time reference?: The present perfect focuses on the effect or ongoing nature of an action, rather than a specific point in the past. This allows the action to be connected to the present without defining a specific time.
- Can we say "I have seen him yesterday"?: No, "yesterday" is a specific time marker, and we should use the past simple: "I saw him yesterday." The present perfect is not used with specific time expressions.
- Why doesn't "have" or "has" change form in the present perfect?: The auxiliary verb "have" or "has" remains the same in the present perfect, except for "has" being used for third-person singular subjects (he, she, it).
- Can the present perfect be used with stative verbs?: Yes, it can. For example: "I have been here for two hours." Stative verbs like "be", "have", and "know" can be used in the present perfect to show a situation that started in the past and continues.
- What is the difference between "I have lived in Paris" and "I lived in Paris"?: "I have lived in Paris" (present perfect) implies that the experience of living in Paris is connected to the present or lasted for an undefined period up to the present. "I lived in Paris" (past simple) indicates that the action took place in a defined past.
- Why shouldn't "for" be used with "just" in the present perfect?: "Just" is used to express a recently completed action and does not combine with duration expressions like "for". For example: "I have just eaten" (not "I have just eaten for two hours").
Liaisons enseignements et programmes
Idées ou Réflexions liées à son enseignement
Strategy: Use practical, everyday examples to reinforce the differences between the present perfect and the past simple. Example: "I have visited the museum" (present perfect) vs. "I visited the museum last week" (past simple)
Adjustment: Have students create sentences using both tenses by choosing a specific event from their lives, like "I have read that book" (present perfect) vs "I read that book last year" (past simple)
Strategy: Use time-related questions and activities to help students distinguish between "since" and "for." Example: "How long have you lived here?" Expected answer: "I have lived here for five years" or "I have lived here since 2015"
Adjustment: Set up pairs where students ask each other questions to practice using "since" and "for" in a variety of situations, such as how long they've been studying English or living in their current city.
Strategy: Organize group exercises to analyze and correct common errors involving time expressions used with present perfect. Example: "I have seen the movie yesterday" Mistake: Present perfect should not be used with "yesterday." Corrected: "I saw the movie yesterday."
Adjustment: After the students spot and correct errors, provide a list of common time expressions (e.g., "yesterday," "last week" for past simple, and "since," "for" for present perfect) to guide their understanding.
Strategy: Provide students with audio or video content, such as interviews or personal stories, where speakers use "since" and "for" in context. Example: Students listen to a short story where someone explains how long they’ve been working at a company using present perfect and identify phrases with "since" and "for."
Adjustment: Afterward, students rephrase the sentences to reinforce the correct use of "since" and "for" with their own experiences.
Strategy: Emphasize the use of stative verbs in present perfect and the fact that they are typically not used in the progressive form. Example: "I have known him for five years" Stative verb "know" is used in the present perfect and does not take the progressive form. Incorrect: "I have been knowing him."
Adjustment: Give students more examples with stative verbs (e.g., "I have had this idea for a while") and non-stative verbs (e.g., "I have been thinking about this idea") to clarify the difference.
Strategy: Incorporate spaced repetition into your teaching to help students internalize the present perfect. Example: After each lesson, quiz students on the present perfect, including common time expressions and different sentence types (affirmative, negative, and questions).
Adjustment: Use review games like "Jeopardy" or "Kahoot!" where students must answer questions in the present perfect, ensuring regular engagement with the structure.
Strategy: Use interactive games and quizzes to make learning the present perfect more engaging and fun. Example: Set up a board game where students ask each other questions in the present perfect, like "Have you ever visited Paris?" or use an app like Kahoot! to test their knowledge.
Adjustment: Encourage students to create their own quiz questions using the present perfect and challenge each other with personalized scenarios (e.g., "How long have you studied English?" or "What’s the most exciting thing you’ve done this year?").
Strategy: Discuss and analyze frequent errors in the use of the present perfect as a class, helping students self-correct. Example: Provide a set of sentences like "I have visited that place yesterday" and allow students to spot and correct the error.
Adjustment: After analyzing errors, have students create new correct sentences and explain why the original sentences were wrong, ensuring they understand the reasoning behind the correction.
Strategy: Use discussions about recent events to encourage the use of the present perfect in real-world contexts. Example: In pairs or small groups, students share what they’ve done recently, using the present perfect like "I have just finished my homework," or "I have already eaten lunch."
Adjustment Encourage students to form questions with the present perfect, like "Have you seen the latest movie?" or "What’s the best meal you’ve had this month?" to practice both asking and answering.
Strategy: Tailor exercises to meet specific goals or professional needs, such as preparing for an interview or making a presentation. Example: In a job interview simulation, students use present perfect to talk about their work experience: "I have worked as a teacher for five years."
Adjustment After practicing basic sentence structures, challenge students to explain their past achievements or experiences in the present perfect tense, helping them link personal goals with their language use.
Education: Autres liens, sites ou portails
Bibliographie
Pour citer cette page: (perfect)
ABROUGUI, M & al, 2024. Present perfect. In Didaquest [en ligne]. <http:www.didaquest.org/wiki/Present_perfect>, consulté le 10, février, 2025
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