Prepared by: Mais Mayyas

Perfect Tenses

Present perfect: The action continues from the past to the present : We have known each other for years. (We still know each other) The time reference in the sentence includes the present: She has drunk three cups of tea today. She has gone to school today. We have been ill this year. The results of the past action are still very important: I have lost my key. The action happened very recently and is still news: He has just had an accident.

Past perfect: To explain a state: He was very upset because he had never flown before. He felt bad. The trip had been cancelled. To show order of events: Before she retired, she had been working in this company for ten years. He had had his lunch when I arrived. (He had his lunch before I arrived)

Pay attention to the differences in meaning: By the time the police arrived, the thief had escaped. By the time the police arrive, the thief will have escaped. By 2003, he had married three times. By 2050, he will have married three times. A. The bomb exploded when the police arrived. B. The bomb had exploded when the police arrived.

What are the main differences between the simple aspect and continuous one in perfect tenses? Continuous aspectSimple aspect Long action/repeatedMomentary action IncompleteComplete ActivityResults or achievements The number of times is mentioned

A long action that lasts some time.

Moment She has cut her finger.

Incomplete actions They are doing their homework.

Complete Actions

Activities and Results

Simple past vs. Present perfect

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