Mastering English: Perfect Present Tense Worksheet

Mastering English: Understanding the Perfect Present Tense

The present perfect tense is a fundamental aspect of the English language, used to describe actions that started in the past and continue up to the present moment. It is also used to describe actions that occurred at an unspecified time in the past and have a connection to the present. In this article, we will delve into the world of present perfect tense, exploring its usage, structure, and common mistakes to avoid.

Structure of the Present Perfect Tense

The present perfect tense is formed using the auxiliary verb “have” or “has” in the present simple tense, followed by the past participle of the main verb. The structure is as follows:

• For singular subjects (he, she, it): has + past participle
• For plural subjects (I, you, we, they): have + past participle

For example:

• I have eaten breakfast.
• She has lived in Paris for five years.

Usage of the Present Perfect Tense

The present perfect tense is used in various situations:

• To describe an action that started in the past and continues up to the present moment:
  • I have been studying English for three years.
  • They have been living in New York since 2010.
• To describe an action that occurred at an unspecified time in the past and has a connection to the present:
  • I have visited Paris three times.
  • She has never eaten sushi before.
• To describe an action that happened in the past but has an impact on the present:
  • I have broken my arm, so I’m wearing a cast.
  • They have moved to a new apartment, so they need help with the move.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When using the present perfect tense, it’s essential to avoid common mistakes:

• Using the present simple tense instead of the present perfect tense:
  • Incorrect: I eat breakfast every day. (Instead of “I have eaten breakfast.”)
  • Incorrect: She lives in Paris for five years. (Instead of “She has lived in Paris for five years.”)
• Using the past simple tense instead of the present perfect tense:
  • Incorrect: I ate breakfast an hour ago. (Instead of “I have eaten breakfast.”)
  • Incorrect: She moved to New York last year. (Instead of “She has moved to New York.”)

Present Perfect Tense Worksheet

Practice makes perfect! Complete the following exercises to master the present perfect tense:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

1. I ____________________ (study) English for three years.
2. She ____________________ (live) in Paris since 2010.
3. They ____________________ (visit) New York three times.
4. I ____________________ (never eat) sushi before.
5. He ____________________ (break) his arm, so he’s wearing a cast.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

1. I ____________________ (eat) breakfast this morning. a) have eaten b) eat c) am eating
2. She ____________________ (live) in New York for five years. a) has lived b) lives c) is living
3. They ____________________ (visit) Paris twice. a) have visited b) visit c) are visiting

Exercise 3: Write your own sentences

Use the present perfect tense to describe an action that started in the past and continues up to the present moment, or an action that occurred at an unspecified time in the past and has a connection to the present.

1. _______________________________________________________
2. _______________________________________________________
3. _______________________________________________________

Answers

Exercise 1:

1. have studied
2. has lived
3. have visited
4. have never eaten
5. has broken

Exercise 2:

1. a) have eaten
2. a) has lived
3. a) have visited

Conclusion

Mastering the present perfect tense takes time and practice, but with this worksheet and a solid understanding of its usage and structure, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a grammar pro! Remember to avoid common mistakes and use the present perfect tense to describe actions that started in the past and continue up to the present moment, or actions that occurred at an unspecified time in the past and have a connection to the present.

Related Terms:

• Present perfect tense worksheet pdf
• Past perfect tense Worksheet
• Present perfect tense PDF
• Simple perfect tense worksheet
• Present perfect exercise 1