PRESENT PERFECT FOR RECENT EVENTS/PRESENT PERFECT

In this lesson we´re going to talk about the Present Perfect for Recent Events and Present Perfect in general-

Let´s start with the first one.We use Present Perfect for Recent Events when the action has just happened and we can see the result.

Example:We´re in the kitchen and let´s say Jack´s(has) cut his finger.

Do we know when he cut his finger? Was it a long time ago? the answer is-NO.Can we see the result now? The answer is-YES.

cut the finger. Blood is dropping on the floor.

past___________x____________________now______________________future

past action present result

Little dialogue using P.P. for Recent events.Imagine we´re sitting in the kitchen and suddenly you say:

Oh no!....and I´ll ask

What´s happened?

You: I´ve put salt in my coffee

Me: No problem.Get another one.

You´ll notice that in the conversation or in writing for the 3d person we use He´s done,She´s burnt..It creates some confusion for foreign students.They might think we´re using Prresent Simple.The only way for them to distinguish is the participle of the verb.On the other hand we often use the short way of "have" I´ve done...You´ve cleaned...

Very important point: For us the morning finishes at 12:00 afternoon/midday.So after that we cannot say I haven´t had any coffee this morning.We should say I didn´t have any coffee this morning.But I haven´t had any coffee today.Why?-Because the day is still on.

Present Perfect: Have+ Participle of the verb

Examples:

I´ve been to Rome.Have you ever been to Rome?

Negativo: I haven´t been to Rome

I´ve finished the washing up

Has she finished the washing up?

-No she hasn´t

Have you cleaned the fridge?

Yes,I have.

Now,pay attention to irregular verbs.Most of the time they are written differently.