Lesson 1: Present Perfect Simple (Usage & Keywords)

The Present Perfect connects the past to the present. We form it using "have/has" + the Past Participle (Verb 3).

To master this tense, B1 students must understand key signal words. These keywords help us understand the exact timing of the experience. Let's look at how to use already, yet, just, ever, never, and since.

warning Common Mistake

In many languages, verbs do not change forms. However, in English, the Present Perfect requires "have/has" + Verb 3 (Past Participle). Never say "I have eat already." You must use the V3 form and say "I have eaten already."

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Interactive Vocabulary

Keyword

Already

Used to say that something has happened sooner than expected. It usually goes between "have" and the V3.

Example: The guests have already checked into their hotel room.

Keyword

Yet

Used in negative statements and questions to talk about something expected to happen. It is placed at the end of the sentence.

Example: Has the tour bus arrived yet?

Keyword

Just

Used to show that an action was completed a very short time ago.

Example: I have just sent the itinerary to the tour group.

Keyword

Ever

Used mostly in questions to ask about experiences at any point in someone's life up to now.

Example: Have you ever tasted authentic Kampot pepper?

Keyword

Never

Used to make a negative statement about life experiences. We don't use "not" when we use "never".

Example: She has never visited the floating villages.

Keyword

Since

Refers back to a specific starting point in the past until the present moment.

Example: He has worked as a professional guide since 2018.

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Knowledge Check

hotel_class Hotel Check-In

You want to know if a guest has visited your city before. "_____ you ever visited the city?"

(Hint: We need the correct auxiliary verb for "you" in Present Perfect.)

confirmation_number Tour Planning

Which keyword belongs at the end of this negative sentence: "The tourists haven't bought their temple passes _____."

(Hint: Which keyword goes at the end of negative sentences?)

psychology Grammar Check

Fill in the blank: "I am full. I have _____ eaten a big bowl of noodles."

(Hint: The action happened a very short time ago.)

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Study Resources

Lesson Summary & Review

Let's review the key concepts covered in the interactive module above to ensure you are ready to use the Present Perfect tense.

Using Keywords

• Already: For actions completed sooner than expected. "I have already eaten."
• Yet: Used in negatives and questions. "I haven't finished yet."
• Just: A very short time ago. "He has just left."
• Ever: At any time in your life. "Have you ever seen snow?"
• Never: Not at any time. "I have never traveled there."
• Since: From a specific point in time until now. "I have lived here since 2010."