Present Perfect: Things Not Finished Yet (Today, This Week)
Grammar Rule in 30 Seconds
Use the Present Perfect to talk about actions in a time period that is still happening right now.
- Use 'have/has' + past participle for time periods like 'today' or 'this week'.
- If the time period is over (like 'yesterday'), use the Past Simple instead.
- It focuses on the result or quantity within that unfinished window of time.
Overview
Use have or has for the past and now.
Use this for today, this week, or this year.
Conjugation Table
| Subject | Auxiliary Verb | Main Verb (Past Participle - V3) | Example | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| --------------- | ---------------- | ---------------------------------- | -------------------------------------------- | ||
| I | have | eaten | I have eaten breakfast this morning. |
||
| You | have | studied | You have studied a lot this week. |
||
| He/She/It | has | seen | She has seen that movie recently. |
||
| We | have | visited | We have visited the museum today. |
||
| They | have | completed | They have completed three tasks this hour. |
How This Grammar Works
Formation Pattern
I have read three books this month. (The month is not over; I might read more.)
We haven't finished the report this week. (The week is still active; we can still finish it.)
He hasn't called his mother today. (The day is not over; he still has time to call.)
Have you seen the new exhibition yet this year? (The year is still ongoing, and you might still see it.)
Has the team submitted their proposal this morning? (It's still this morning, and the submission might still happen.)
When To Use It
- Actions within an Ongoing Time Frame: This is the most direct application. When you use expressions like
today,this morning,this afternoon,this evening,this week,this month,this year,so far, orrecently, and the period they refer to has not concluded, the Present Perfect is appropriate. The implication is that the action could still happen again or its status could change before the period ends. I haven't had lunch yet this afternoon.(It's stillthis afternoon; lunch is still a possibility.)They have released two new products this quarter.(The current quarter is still active; more releases might occur.)
- Providing Updates and News: The Present Perfect is ideal for conveying recent information or developments that remain relevant to the present situation. It tells the listener what has (or hasn't) occurred up to the current moment within a broad, implicitly ongoing timeframe.
Our sales figures have increased considerably this quarter.(This is a current update on an ongoing business period.)What have you been up to since we last spoke?(A general inquiry about recent activities leading up to the present.)
- Expressing Experiences and Achievements Up to Now: When cataloging experiences or accomplishments that have happened from an unspecified past point leading up to the present within a general, ongoing life experience, the Present Perfect is used. Phrases like
everandneveroften accompany this use. I have visited three countries this year.(The year is ongoing, and I might visit more.)She has never missed a deadline in her career.(Her career is an ongoing timeframe, and this statement describes a continuous truth within it.)
- State Verbs with Ongoing Duration: For state verbs (e.g.,
know,have,be,love,live) that describe conditions rather than actions, the Present Perfect indicates a state that began in the past and continues up to the present within an ongoing period. While often associated withforandsince(covered in related rules), it applies naturally to implicit ongoing periods. I have lived in this city for five years, and I still live here.(The state of living here continues.)We have known each other since college.(The state of knowing each other continues up totoday.)
When Not To Use It
- Finished Time Periods: If a specific time expression explicitly marks a period as completed, the Simple Past is required. This includes terms like
yesterday,last week,last month,last year,three days ago,in 2020, or eventhis morningifthis morninghas demonstrably ended (e.g., it is nowthis afternoonorthis evening). - Incorrect:
I have seen him yesterday.❌ - Correct:
I saw him yesterday.✅ (The periodyesterdayis finished.)
- Incorrect (if it's afternoon):
I haven't had breakfast this morning.❌ - Correct (if it's afternoon):
I didn't have breakfast this morning.✅ (The periodthis morningis finished.)
- Specific Past Moments: When the focus is on a single, completed event at a precise, non-ongoing point in the past, the Simple Past is always used. The Present Perfect does not convey an isolated historical fact.
- Incorrect:
My grandfather has died in 1980.❌ - Correct:
My grandfather died in 1980.✅ (A specific, completed event in a finished year.)
- Absence of Current Relevance: If an action, though recent, has no bearing on the present moment or is not part of an ongoing experience, the Simple Past might be preferred even if the time period is theoretically unfinished. This is a matter of emphasis and context. If you simply state a fact about a recent past without connecting it to the present, the Simple Past may be more natural.
- Consider:
I went to the store today.(Focus on the action itself, completed within the day.) versusI have been to the store today.(Focus on the experience/result, perhaps implying you know something about the store now.)
Common Mistakes
- Using Present Perfect with Finished Time Markers: This is arguably the most prevalent error. Students often incorrectly pair Present Perfect with adverbs or phrases that denote a completed past period.
- Incorrect:
She has visited Paris last year.❌ - Correct:
She visited Paris last year.✅ (last yearis a finished period.) - Incorrect:
I have eaten pizza an hour ago.❌ - Correct:
I ate pizza an hour ago.✅ (an hour agorefers to a finished point in time.)
- Using Simple Past with Unfinished Time Markers (when current relevance is implied): Conversely, some learners might use the Simple Past when the Present Perfect is required, thereby implying a finished period when one is still ongoing or the action has present relevance.
- Incorrect (if it's still Monday):
I didn't see him this Monday.❌ - Correct (if it's still Monday):
I haven't seen him this Monday.✅ (TheMondayis still active, implying there's still a chance to see him.)
- Confusion with
yetandalready: While these adverbs naturally occur with the Present Perfect, their placement and negative/positive connotations can be tricky. - Incorrect:
Have you already finished the work yet?❌ (Redundant use ofalreadyandyet.) - Correct:
Have you finished the work yet?✅ (For questions,yetusually goes at the end.) - Correct:
I have already started on it.✅ (alreadyfor positive statements, often between auxiliary and main verb.)
- Incorrect Past Participle Forms: Especially with irregular verbs, using the simple past form (
V2) instead of the past participle (V3) is a common morphological error. - Incorrect:
He has took the bus.❌ - Correct:
He has taken the bus.✅ (The past participle oftakeistaken, nottook.)
Memory Trick
Today and this week are times that are still moving.
Think of the Present Perfect as having an **
Conjugating the Present Perfect
| Subject | Auxiliary | Past Participle (V3) | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
|
I / You / We / They
|
have
|
worked / seen
|
I have worked today.
|
|
He / She / It
|
has
|
worked / seen
|
She has seen him this week.
|
|
I / You / We / They (Neg)
|
have not (haven't)
|
eaten
|
They haven't eaten today.
|
|
He / She / It (Neg)
|
has not (hasn't)
|
eaten
|
It hasn't eaten this morning.
|
|
Questions
|
Have / Has [Subj]
|
finished
|
Have you finished this week?
|
Common Contractions
| Full Form | Contraction | Pronunciation Hint |
|---|---|---|
|
I have
|
I've
|
Rhymes with 'five'
|
|
You have
|
You've
|
One syllable
|
|
He has
|
He's
|
Sounds like 'heeze'
|
|
She has
|
She's
|
Sounds like 'sheeze'
|
|
It has
|
It's
|
Same as 'it is'
|
|
We have
|
We've
|
Rhymes with 'leave'
|
|
They have
|
They've
|
Rhymes with 'save'
|
Meanings
The Present Perfect is used with time expressions that include the present moment (like today, this month, or so far) to show that an action happened within that period.
Unfinished Time Periods
Used when the time word refers to a period that continues into the present.
“We have seen two movies this week.”
“She has called me twice this morning.”
Cumulative Experience (So Far)
Used to count how many times something has happened from the start of a period until now.
“I've written five emails so far today.”
“How many books have you read this year?”
Recent Unspecified Actions in Open Periods
Focusing on the fact that an event occurred recently within a current timeframe.
“Have you seen the news today?”
“I haven't eaten anything this morning.”
Reference Table
| Form | Structure | Example |
|---|---|---|
|
Affirmative
|
S + have/has + V3
|
I have finished today.
|
|
Negative
|
S + haven't/hasn't + V3
|
He hasn't called this week.
|
|
Question
|
Have/Has + S + V3?
|
Have they arrived this morning?
|
|
Short Answer (+)
|
Yes, S + have/has
|
Yes, I have.
|
|
Short Answer (-)
|
No, S + haven't/hasn't
|
No, she hasn't.
|
|
Wh- Question
|
Wh- + have/has + S + V3?
|
What have you done today?
|
|
Frequency
|
S + have/has + [number] + V3
|
I've seen it twice this month.
|
Formality Spectrum
Have you consumed breakfast this morning? (Morning interaction)
Have you had breakfast this morning? (Morning interaction)
Have you eaten yet today? (Morning interaction)
You eaten today? (Morning interaction)
The Unfinished Time Bridge
Unfinished Time
- Today Today
- This week This week
Frequency
- Twice Twice
- Three times Three times
Result
- So far So far
Open vs. Closed Time
Which Tense Should I Use?
Is the time period finished?
Is it still happening?
Examples by Level
I have washed my hands today.
She has eaten an apple this morning.
We have played football today.
Have you seen my cat today?
They have bought a new car this month.
He hasn't finished his homework this afternoon.
Have you had any coffee this morning?
It has rained a lot this week.
I've already sent three emails so far this morning.
We haven't seen many tourists in town this summer.
Has your sister called you this week?
The company has made a huge profit this year.
The researchers have conducted several experiments this quarter.
I haven't had the opportunity to speak with him this afternoon.
How many times has the fire alarm gone off this month?
The athlete has broken two world records this season.
The administration has faced mounting criticism this legislative session.
We have witnessed a significant shift in consumer behavior this decade.
The author has published three best-selling novels this year alone.
Has the board reached a consensus on the budget this afternoon?
The ecosystem has undergone irreversible changes this century due to climate shift.
The philosopher has, throughout this current treatise, challenged traditional ethics.
Seldom has the orchestra performed with such vigor as they have this season.
The currency has fluctuated wildly this week, causing market instability.
Easily Confused
Learners often use Present Perfect with specific past times like 'yesterday'.
Both are past participles of 'go' (or 'be' used as 'go').
Learners use the continuous form to count actions.
Common Mistakes
I have seen him yesterday.
I saw him yesterday.
She have eaten today.
She has eaten today.
I seen him today.
I have seen him today.
I have drinked water today.
I have drunk water today.
Did you see him this week?
Have you seen him this week?
I've went to the gym today.
I've been to the gym today.
I have worked last week.
I worked last week.
I've been seeing him three times today.
I've seen him three times today.
I have finished the work this afternoon (at 6 PM).
I finished the work this afternoon.
How long have you seen him today?
How many times have you seen him today?
The report has been released yesterday.
The report was released yesterday.
Sentence Patterns
I have ___ ___ today.
She has ___ ___ this week.
How many times have you ___ ___ this month?
It hasn't ___ much this ___.
So far this year, the company has ___ ___.
Real World Usage
I've tried calling you three times today!
I have completed several certifications this year.
I've had the best day today! #blessed
Have you guys had many orders this morning?
We've visited four museums this week.
I haven't felt very well this week.
You have exceeded your goals this quarter.
The stock market has fallen significantly today.
The 'So Far' Test
Watch the Clock
Frequency Counts
US vs UK
Smart Tips
Default to the Present Perfect. The word 'this' usually signals that the period is still open.
Use the Present Perfect Simple, never the Continuous.
Use 'So far this [period]' to show you are productive but not finished.
Check your watch. If it's past 12:00 PM, switch to Past Simple immediately.
Pronunciation
Contraction of 'have'
In natural speech, 'I have' becomes 'I've' /aɪv/. The 'v' sound is very short.
Contraction of 'has'
'He has' becomes 'He's' /hiːz/. It sounds exactly like 'He is'. Context tells you which one it is.
Weak form of 'have'
In questions, 'Have' is often unstressed and sounds like /həv/ or even /əv/.
Rising intonation for questions
Have you seen him today? ↗
Asking for information
Falling intonation for statements
I've seen him today. ↘
Giving an update
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Remember 'The Open Box': If the day/week is still an 'open box', use the Present Perfect to put things inside it.
Visual Association
Imagine a calendar with today's date circled in bright red. Because the circle isn't crossed out yet, you 'have' to use the Present Perfect.
Rhyme
If the time is still today, 'Have' and 'Has' are here to stay.
Story
A busy office worker named 'Have' keeps a tally of everything he does 'this week'. He never closes his notebook until Sunday night. As long as the notebook is open, he uses his own name ('I have done...') to record his tasks.
Word Web
Challenge
Look at your watch. List three things you have done so far today using 'I have... today'.
Cultural Notes
BrE speakers are very strict about using Present Perfect for unfinished time. Saying 'Did you eat today?' sounds slightly 'American' or 'wrong' to some.
AmE speakers often use the Past Simple with 'today' or 'this week', especially in casual speech. 'Did you see the news today?' is very common in the US.
Similar to British English, but with a tendency to use contractions even more frequently in speech.
The Present Perfect comes from the Old English 'habban' (to have) combined with a past participle. Originally, it meant 'I possess the result of an action'.
Conversation Starters
What have you done so far today?
How many coffees have you had this morning?
Have you seen any good movies this month?
What's the most interesting thing that has happened this year?
How has your perspective on your career changed this year?
Journal Prompts
Common Mistakes
Test Yourself
I ___ three cups of tea so far today.
We ___ (see) that movie twice this week.
Find and fix the mistake:
She has visited her aunt yesterday.
Arrange the words in the correct order:
All words placed
Click words above to build the sentence
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
___ you ___ to the gym this morning? (It is now 10:00 AM)
The company ___ launched two new products this month.
Select the grammatically perfect sentence.
Score: /8
Practice Exercises
8 exercisesI ___ three cups of tea so far today.
We ___ (see) that movie twice this week.
Find and fix the mistake:
She has visited her aunt yesterday.
this / has / rained / week / it / a / lot
1. Yesterday, 2. Today, 3. Last Year, 4. This Year
___ you ___ to the gym this morning? (It is now 10:00 AM)
The company ___ launched two new products this month.
Select the grammatically perfect sentence.
Score: /8
Practice Bank
12 exercisesMy boss ___ (not reply) to my email yet today.
I saw him this morning, and it's still morning.
Which sentence is correct?
Translate into English: 'Ella no ha estudiado nada esta semana.'
Arrange these words into a sentence:
Match each subject with its correct Present Perfect auxiliary:
The students ___ (not submit) their essays so far this semester.
Have you went to the new coffee shop this week?
Choose the correct sentence:
Translate into English: 'Ella ha visto esa película muchas veces.'
Arrange these words into a sentence:
Match the base verb with its Past Participle:
Score: /12
FAQ (8)
Yes, especially in American English or if you feel the 'action part' of your day is over. However, `Present Perfect` is more common for updates.
As long as it is still that time (e.g., 11:59 PM for 'today'), you can use the `Present Perfect`.
Use `been` if you went and came back. Use `gone` if you are still there. 'I've been to London twice this year' means you are not in London now.
In English, collective nouns like 'company', 'team', or 'government' are usually treated as singular (it), so they take `has`.
No. If it's 3:00 PM, you must say 'I had coffee this morning' (Past Simple) because the morning is finished.
It means 'from the start until now'. It is a classic signal for the `Present Perfect`.
Yes! Your life is an unfinished time period. 'I have been to Paris' is Present Perfect because you are still alive.
In this context, yes. But 'He's' can be 'He is' or 'He has'. You have to look at the next word (V3 vs. Adjective/Noun).
Scaffolded Practice
1
2
3
4
Mastery Progress
Needs Practice
Improving
Strong
Mastered
In Other Languages
Pretérito Perfecto Compuesto
Latin American Spanish uses Past Simple where English requires Present Perfect.
Passé Composé
French doesn't distinguish between 'I ate' and 'I have eaten' in spoken language.
Perfekt
German uses the perfect form for finished time periods in speech.
~te iru / ~ta
Japanese lacks a specific auxiliary verb like 'have' to mark unfinished time.
Qad + Past Verb
Arabic relies more on time adverbs than verb aspect to show unfinished time.
le (了) / guo (过)
Chinese has no verb conjugation for time; it uses particles and time words.
Learning Path
Prerequisites
Related Videos
Related Grammar Rules
Present Perfect: US vs UK (I've done vs I did)
Overview The Present Perfect tense describes actions completed in the past that maintain a connection to the present. Th...
Phrasal Verbs: An Introduction (Turn On, Give Up, Look After)
## Phrasal Verbs: An Introduction A **phrasal verb** = verb + particle (up, on, off, out, in, away...) The combination...
Life Experiences: Present Perfect with Ever and Never
Overview The Present Perfect with `ever` and `never` is a cornerstone for discussing personal experiences, enabling you...
Future Continuous (will be -ing)
Overview The **Future Continuous** (also called the Future Progressive) is a verb tense used to project yourself into th...
English Present Perfect: Connecting Past to Now (Basic Formation)
Overview The English **Present Perfect** tense serves a crucial function in connecting past events or states with the pr...
