Recent events Present perfect simple The present perfect simple is used to describe recent events. I've left my shopping bag behind. The event happened in the past, but there is a result in the present. I've broken my arm, as you can see. | Explanations Recent events Present perfect simple The present perfect simple is used to describe recent events. I ve left my shopping bag behind. The event happened in the past but there is a result in the present. I ve broken my arm as you can see. No definite time is given for the event but to emphasise the idea of recentness we can use just. I ve just broken my watch. We can also describe events that have not happened. haven t found her phone number yet. Indefinite events Present perfect simple No definite time is given for the events. They are a series of actions in our life up to now. I ve been to France three times. After It s This is the first second time we use the present perfect. It also refers to our life up to now. This is the first time I have eaten Japanese food. Compared with past simple Events described using the past simple have definite times. went to France last year. I ate at a Japanese restaurant on Saturday. If we think of a definite place for an event this may suggest a definite time. left my shopping bag on the train. Extended or repeated events Present perfect simple The present perfect simple describes a state which lasts up to the present. I ve lived in this house for five years. The present perfect simple can describe a habitual action in a period of time up to the present. I ve never worn a tie to work and I refuse to start now Present perfect continuous The present perfect continuous can also describe a state which lasts up to the present moment. I ve been living in this house for five years. There is little difference in meaning between simple and continuous in this case or with How long questions. How long have you lived been living in this house The verbs wait sit lie stay prefer the present perfect continuous. I ve been waiting for ages. 7 FIRST CERTIFICATE LANGUAGE PRACTICE For since ago See Grammar 14 for contrast between these time expressions. Present perfect simple or continuous Completed action The present perfect simple can
