Present Perfect

Reference

Common mistakes

1. I live here since 2019. → I have lived here since 2019.
   "since" needs present perfect
2. I have worked here since two years. → I have worked here for two years.
   duration → for, not since
3. How long do you live here? → How long have you lived here?
   continuing situation → present perfect
4. I have seen him yesterday. → I saw him yesterday.
   yesterday = finished time → past simple

Present Perfect — Exercises

Present perfect or past simple?

Circle the correct answer.

1. I _____ in this town since 2019. (have lived / lived)
2. I _____ that film last weekend. (saw / have seen)
3. _____ you ever been to London? (Have / Did)
4. She has had her dog _____ five years. (for / since)
5. We have known each other _____ we were children. (since / for)
6. How long _____ you had that phone? (have / did)
7. I _____ my keys! I can't find them anywhere. (have lost / lost)
8. When _____ you start playing tennis? (did / have)

for or since? Complete the sentence

Write the missing word or words.

1. I've been here   ten minutes.
2. They've lived in Madrid   2020.
3. Have you   tried Thai food?
4. I haven't seen her   Monday.
5. She   (just / finish) her homework.
6. We   (not / be) to the cinema for ages.

Present Perfect — Answer Key

Present perfect or past simple?

1. have lived — since + still true now → present perfect: have lived.
2. saw — last weekend = finished time → past simple: saw.
3. Have — ever + experience in your life → Have you ever been…?
4. for — for + a length of time.
5. since — since + the start point.
6. have — How long + still true now → How long have you had…?
7. have lost — A past action with a result now (no keys) → have lost.
8. did — When asks about a finished past time → past simple: did.

for or since? Complete the sentence

1. for
2. since
3. ever
4. since
5. has just finished
6. haven't been