English verb tenses are important aspects of English grammar. ESL learners often tend to confuse the verb tenses because of their distinct structure and meaning in sentences.
One confusing but unknowingly used verb tense are the perfect tense in English. Many language speakers unconsciously use these tenses but are not sure if the tense used is appropriate or not. In English, perfect tenses have a specific structure that makes meaning conveyed clearer when analyzed.
Unlike simple tenses, the perfect tenses in English talk about actions that are already done or finished by the time we talk about them. They show a relation between the actions at the present time and the actions in the past.
The perfect tenses in English are Present Perfect, Past Perfect, and Future Perfect. They are formed with the structure “has/have/had/will have + Past participle.” We can say that the tense is either in the present, past, or future perfect depending on the time of completion.
The perfect tenses in English are always accompanied by the past participle of a verb. The past participle is the form of a verb that usually ends in “–d, -ed” for regular verbs and “-en,” for irregular verbs. They play a great role in forming the perfect tenses in English as they are one of the markers to easily spot the tense of the sentence.
To better understand perfect tenses in English, we have here a list of sample questions.
When learning the perfect tenses in English, we must pay attention to the construction of the sentence and the intended meaning that it conveys.
In this part of the article, we will discuss the meaning of each perfect tense in English with its uses and examples for better understanding.
The present perfect tense expresses the idea of actions or situations in the past that are connected to the present situation. This shows the relevance of the past action to now.
Structure: has /have + past participle
Here is an example timeline for a better understanding of the present perfect tense.
I have studied English since I was 8 years old.
Example: My younger sister has always passed her exams. (Assume my sister is still in the 5th grade at this point ).
Example: I have been with my best friend since we were 10 years old. (My best friend and I are still friends).
Example: Mr. Jones has broken the window. (The window is still broken at this time we are speaking).
Example: My friend has taken the book to the library this morning. (Imagine that by this time it is still morning).
Example: I have studied Spanish. (Until now I know a lot about Spanish and I remember them).
Another use of present perfect tenses in English is with time markers “just, yet, already, and still” which usually indicate the attitude of the speaker.
Example: She has just eaten her breakfast. (Assume that at the time of speaking, it was just a few minutes after the doer’s breakfast).
Example: Have you done your homework yet? (You worked on your homework; is it done? How long will it take you to finish?)
Example: My cousin still hasn’t seen her father. (My cousin and her father probably have not met or they have separated ways at some place).
The past perfect tenses in English express the sequence of actions or events and their relationship. There is an emphasized order of time in an action.
Structure: had + past participle
Here is an example timeline for your reference:
I had eaten dinner when my dad called.
Example: Lunch had been ready when she arrived. (Assume that lunch had already been cooked before she arrived).
Example: After he had done the report, he took his medicine. (In this case, the doer of the action had finished the report and after that, he took his medicine).
Example: I had taken a shower when my mother asked for help. (My mother did not call for help while I was showering; rather, after I finished taking a shower).
Example: He had to step in because the students had been so noisy. (The students were noisy before he stepped in; assume they kept quiet when he did it).
The future perfect tense expresses the idea of actions that are expected to happen or be completed in the future. The use of “will” and “shall” are important in this tense.
Structure: will / shall + have + past participle
Here’s an example timeline for your reference:
I will have finished my English courses at the end of 2024.
Example: My mom will have changed my bedding by 4 o’clock this afternoon. (Assume that the time now is just a few minutes or an hour before 4:00 PM. My mom will be finished changing my bedding by then).
Example: Mike studies hard so he will have received a good education. (Mike is still studying and is expected to have a good education).
Example: I’m waiting for my friend; she will have left by now. (I am predicting a probable action).
The perfect tenses in English are one of the most challenging and confusing tenses to use. This is one reason why some students avoid this tense, especially the future perfect tense. The perfect tenses in English are often introduced to advanced learners.
Beginner Level students tend to be unfamiliar with the perfect tenses in English, but Intermediate and Advanced Level students are more likely to use these tenses in their conversations or writing tasks.
The perfect tenses in English are a bit difficult to understand, but constant learning and practice can help you be more aware of their uses and structure.
Identify which type of perfect tense is asked in the following sentences.
Your answers can be found here.
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