PAST to present TENSES : PAST to present TENSES Presentation
PAST to PRESENT TENSES : PAST to PRESENT TENSES present perfect simple – ongoing actions and states
The manor house has stood on this spot for over 200 years.
to talk about states that started in the past and are still continuing in the present
I’ve only been to Hong kong once, but I’d love to go again.
to talk about actions which happened in the past but may happen again in the future
This channel has shown about four wildlife documentaries this week!
we know the time is not ‘finished’ because of the time phrase we use
It’s the worst sports programme I’ve ever seen and the first I’ve ever written to complain about!
after superlatives
PAST to PRESENT TENSES : present perfect – present relevance
The avalanche has devastated the skiing industry in the area.
to talk about an action completed in the past which has some relevance to the present (e.g. there is a present result of the action)
We can start the interviews now, as all the candidates have arrived.
to talk about recent actions
Ms Brown has arrived. She’s in the staff room and is ready to see you.
when no time is stated, especially when the past action has some relevance to the present PAST to PRESENT TENSES
PAST to PRESENT TENSES : PAST to PRESENT TENSES present perfect – other uses
Former Tanzanian President Julius Nyerere has died at the age of 77 in a London hospital. He came to London in …
to introduce a story in news broadcasts and reports, before moving into past tenses
I’ve heard from Maurice – he’s been to Australia for the last two months.
to introduce a new topic of conversation
We’ll make a move as soon as the rain has stopped.
with future reference in time clauses
PAST to PRESENT TENSES : PAST to PRESENT TENSES present perfect and past simple – present relevance
PAST to PRESENT TENSES : PAST to PRESENT TENSES present perfect continuous – ongoing states and actions
Women have been speaking out on this issue for some time, with mixed results.
to talk about an ongoing state or action which began in the past and is still continuing or has just finished
I’ve been learning how to play chess.
to focus on the fact that the action is still ongoing
I’ve been writing letters all morning.
to focus on the duration of an action
We’ve been subscribing to one of the satellite TV companies.
to suggest that the state or action may change, i.e. it is temporary
Helen’s been spending a lot of time at the club lately.
to talk about new developments which may be temporary (with lately/recently)
I have been learning how to play chess for three years now.
to specify the duration of an activity which started in the past and is still continuing
PAST to PRESENT TENSES : PAST to PRESENT TENSES present perfect continuous – present relevance
This test result is much better. It’s clear you’ve been revising.
I’m sorry the hall is in such a mess. We’ve been decorating.
to explain a present result, e.g. a situation or appearance; the focus is on the activity rather than on the result
PAST to PRESENT TENSES : PAST to PRESENT TENSES present perfect simple and continuous – differences