Tenses
Example :
Answers :
The word ‘tense’ is derived from Latin
word ‘tempus’ and it means time. Basically tense conveys the time of action.
Tenses are mainly divided into parts –
Present, Past and Future. They are further subdivided into three categories –
Indefinite, Continuous, Perfect and Perfect Continuous.
PRESENT PERFECT TENSE
PRESENT PERFECT TENSE is generally
used to show that the action mentioned in the sentence is complete, perfect or
finished at the time of being reported. We use this tense to show a
completed action in the immediate past.
Basic Structure of Sentence
Basic structure of a sentence in this
tense is –
Subject + Has/Have + V3 (third form of
verb ) + Object
Present Perfect Tense is used to describe/show
–
1. Something that started in the past
and continues in the present:
For example :
I haven't seen him for several days.
We’ve been married for nearly twenty
years.
They have known him for a long time.
It has rained a lot this year.
2. An action that was completed in the
immediate past :
For example :
I have sprained my ankle.
They have just boarded the train.
I have had enough of it.
Has he left for Canada?
We have just bought a new car.
3. A repeated action in an unspecified period
between the past and now:
For example :
We have visited Agra several times.
I have watched ‘Sholay’ ten times
We have visited our grandparents many
times.
She has been here frequently.
4. An action when the time is not
important or not given or not known:
For example :
I have read 'Alchemist'.
I have known him to be generous.
Adverbs/Adverb phrases used -
Just
|
often
|
never
|
Till now
|
So far
|
|||||
By now
|
Until now
|
ever
|
already
|
for
|
|||||
today
|
yet
|
this week
|
this month
|
since
|
|||||
Have you ever seen God?
Where have you been till now?
Have you finished your homework yet?
No, so far I’ve only done my English
work.
They have not raised a doubt until
now.
Note : We should never use Present Perfect
Tense with adverbs of past time (yesterday, last year, etc.)
Sequence with other Tenses
Have you played the piano since you
were a child? (with simple past)
The children have made the drawings as
they were instructed. (with simple
past)
He has written three books and he is
working on another one. (with present
continuous)
My mother has been a dedicated teacher
the way she is, now (with simple present)
Verb form used in the Present Perfect Tense–
The present perfect form of any verb
is composed of two elements:
1. Appropriate form of
auxiliary/helping verb (have) – have (plural)/has (singular)
2. Verb's third form (V3) – been, taught,
learnt, played, sang, slept, gone, etc.
Singular subject takes singular helping
verb. Has + Verb 3 (third form of verb)
Plural subject takes plural helping
verb. Have + Verb 3 (third form of verb)
Plural verbs
Have+Verb 3 (third form of verb)
|
Singular
verbs
Has+Verb 3 (third form of verb)
|
Have slept
|
Has slept
|
Have worked
|
Has worked
|
Have gone
|
Has gone
|
Have tried
|
Have tried
|
Have written
|
Has written
|
Have made
|
Has made
|
Have drawn
|
Has drawn
|
Have taught
|
Has taught
|
Have brought
|
Has brought
|
Have spoken
|
Has spoken
|
Examples :
I have travelled far.
We have enjoyed the show.
He has been very hard working in his life.
These girls have
practised every day for three hours.
Ananya have studied in a boarding school.
I have
always loved reading mystery books.
Note : I and You, in spite of being
singular, take plural verbs. It is an exception to the rule.
Video on Integrated Grammar Practice
Exercise for practice
Complete the following sentences with appropriate for of verbs given in bracket.
1. Mr. Smith _________ us Spanish.
(teach)
2. Mona ______________ how to swim.
(learn)
3. They ________ the match. (play)
4. Rakesh _________ care of his sister
very well. (take)
5. I _________
‘Avatar’. (watch)
6. My granny _________ very generous.
(be)
7. We _________ every day for an hour.
(practise)
8. My parents _____________ how to speak
English. (not learn)
9. Aunt Lisa __________ cookies for me.
(bake)
10. My
friends ________ very well. (perform)
Answers :
1. Has taught 2. Has learnt 3. Have played 4. Has taken
5. Have watched 6.
has been 7. Have practised
8. Have not learnt 9. Has baked 10. Have performed
