Uses of Present Perfect
The present perfect simple expresses an action that is still going on or that stopped recently, but has an influence on the present. It puts emphasis on the result.
Signal Words of Present Perfect
Specific time expressions?
You CANNOT use the Present Perfect with specific time expressions such as: yesterday, one year ago, last week, when I was a child, when I lived in Japan, at that moment, that day, one day, etc.
Unspecific time expressions?
We CAN use the Present Perfect with unspecific expressions such as: ever, never, once, many times, several times, before, so far, already, yet, etc.
Beware of Double Dutch!
Actions started in the past and continuing to the present time are expressed with the Present Perfect Tense in English. In Dutch, we use the Onvoltooid Tegenwoordige Tijd.
EXAMPLES
English | Dutch |
I have been living in the Netherlands for five years. | Ik woon vijf jaar in Nederland. |
How long have you been living in the Netherlands? | Hoe lang woon je in Nederland? |
Up to now, he has worked for a small company. | Tot nu toe werkt hij bij een klein bedrijf. |