Esfand 7th, I’ve been very busy lately. Flashcards
A: I‘ve been to the cinema.
B: What did you see?
A: I saw a very good film by…
We use the present perfect to introduce a past event or experience, but if we continue talking and we give details, then we use the past simple.
A: Oh, you‘ve broken your arm.
B: Yes, I have.
A: How did it happen?
We use the present perfect (NOT past simple) to talk about past experiences and actions when we don’t say or don’t know when they happened.
I’ve lost my keys.
We‘ve been to a very nice restaurant.
We can’t use ago with the present perfect.
I‘ve had my watch for 2 years. (NOT I’ve had my watch since 2 years ago.)
We can also use the present perfect with lately or with all + period of time (all day, all morning, all my life, etc.) to talk about actions that started in the past and continue in the present.
She’s been with me all day.
I’ve been very busy lately.
We use for + period of time (2 hours, 3 days, 20 years, etc.) and we use since + the moment in the past when something started.
I’ve been here for hours.
She’s been my teacher for three years.
I’ve been unemployed since May.
I’ve lived in this town since I was born.
We‘ve been married for 20 years. (=We are married now)
We were married for 20 years. Then we divorced. (We are not married now)
We can also use the present perfect to say how many times something has happened until now.
I’ve watched this film three times.
We’ve been to Paris twice.
Tom has gone to Ireland. He’ll be there for a couple of weeks. (=He’s in Ireland now.)
We have been to Ireland three times. We love it. (=We are not in Ireland now.)
We can use the present perfect simple with a superlative adjective and ever.
This is the best meal I’ve ever had.
It’s the most amazing place we’ve ever travelled to.
We often use the words never, ever, or before to talk about experiences.
I‘ve never read this book.
Have you ever seen a John Wayne film.
I haven’t experienced anything like this before.
