Browsing tag
how long? present perfectWe use a present perfect to say how long a situation or action has continued up to now. Compare:It’s raining again.It’s been raining since Christmas, (NOT It’s raining since Christmas.)Are you learning English?How long have you been learning? (NOT How long are you learning?) >I hear you’re working at Smiths. present perfect […]
non-progressive verbsSome verbs are not used in progressive forms (see progressive 2: non-progressive verbs), even if the meaning is one for which a progressive form ismore suitable. Common examples are be, have and know.John’s been ill all week, (NOT John’s been being ill…)She’s had a cold since Monday, (NOT She’s been having a cold …)I’ve […]
progressive (or ‘continuous’)formshave/has been + -ing I have been thinking about you.Have you been waiting long?I haven’t been studying very well recently.For double letters in words like sitting, stopping, see spelling 7: doubling final consonants.continuing actions and situationsWe use the present perfect progressive to look back over actions and situations which started in the past […]
causes and origins: Who gave you that?We normally use the present perfect when we are thinking about past events together with their present results (see present perfect 1: basic information.).I can’t come to your party because I’ve broken my leg.However, we usually prefer a past tense when we identify the person, thing or circumstances responsible […]
This entry deals with the simple present perfect. For the present perfect progressive, see present perfect 4 forms have/has + past participle I have broken my glasses. Have you finished? She hasn’t phoned. In older English, some present perfect forms were made with be, not have (e.g. Winter is come). This does not normally happen […]