Common errors with the present perfect tense

Estimated reading time: 5 minutes

To properly understand the nature of perfect tense, I have written that any perfect tense is a completed tense; that is why it is called a perfect tense. On the other hand, an imperfect tense, which is otherwise known as continuous tense in English, is uncompleted. That is why it is called continuous or progressive tense.

The present perfect tense is used to describe actions that happened at an unspecified time in the past but are connected to the present moment. This means the action has relevance or impact now. In simpler terms, the present perfect tense describes an action that has just been completed or still affects the present.

It is important to note that any perfect tense (present perfect and past perfect tenses, or even present perfect continuous and past perfect continuous tenses) is formed using “has”, “have”, or “had” while a progressive or continuous tense uses the -ing form of a verb.

Examples of the present perfect tense

1. She has finished her homework. (The action of finishing happened in the past, but it is relevant now because her homework is done).
2. I have visited Paris. (The visit to Paris happened at some point in the past, but the experience or the fact that it happened is important now).
3. They have bought a new house. (The purchase happened in the past, but it has an impact now because they own a new house.)
4. We have known each other for ten years. (The knowing started in the past and continues up to the present).
5. He has just left. (The action of leaving was completed a moment ago and is relevant now.)

However, English learners often make mistakes when using the present perfect tense. In this article, I will explain some common errors associated with the present perfect tense.

Misuse of time expressions

One of the most frequent errors is using specific time expressions with the present perfect tense. The present perfect should not be used with expressions that specify an exact time in the past, such as “yesterday,” “last week,” or “in 2010.” These expressions require the simple past tense.

Incorrect: I have seen that movie yesterday.

Correct: I saw that movie yesterday.

In the correct sentence, “saw” is used because “yesterday” indicates a specific time in the past. The present perfect, “have seen,” should not be paired with “yesterday.”

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Confusion between the present perfect tense and simple past tense

Learners often mix up the present perfect tense and the simple past tense. The present perfect focuses on the experience or result of the action in the present, while the simple past is concerned with when the action happened.

Incorrect: I have visited Paris in 2018.

Correct: I visited Paris in 2018.

Since “in 2018” is a specific time in the past, the simple past “visited” is appropriate.

Incorrect: She didn’t call me yet.

Correct: She hasn’t called me yet.

“Yet” suggests that we are still waiting for the action to happen. Therefore, the present perfect “hasn’t called” is the correct form.

Omitting “have” or “has”

Another common mistake is omitting “have” or “has” in the present perfect tense. This error often occurs because learners transfer structures from their native languages into English.

Incorrect: I been to the new museum.

Correct: I have been to the new museum.

In this case, the verb “been” requires the auxiliary “have” to form the present perfect tense.

Misplacing “ever” and “never”

The words “ever” and “never” are often used incorrectly in the present perfect tense. “Ever” is typically used in questions and “never” in negative statements.

Incorrect: Have you never been to London?

Correct: Have you ever been to London?

Incorrect: I haven’t ever eaten sushi.

Correct: I have never eaten sushi.

The correct use of “ever” and “never” enhances clarity and precision in sentences.

Incorrect use of “for” and “since” in the present perfect tense

“For” and “since” are used to express the duration of an action in the present perfect tense, but they are often misused. “For” indicates the length of time an action has been happening, and “since” shows the starting point of the action.

Incorrect: I have lived here since five years.

Correct: I have lived here for five years.

Incorrect: He has worked here for 2010.

Correct: He has worked here since 2010.

Using “for” and “since” correctly helps convey the duration and continuity of an action.

Confusing present perfect with present perfect continuous

The present perfect continuous tense is used to indicate the duration of an activity that started in the past and continues into the present, whereas the present perfect tense often focuses on the completion of the activity.

Incorrect: I have been finished my homework.

Correct: I have finished my homework.

Incorrect: She has written letters all morning.

Correct: She has been writing letters all morning.

In the second pair, “has been writing” is used to emphasize the ongoing nature of the action.

Using present perfect tense with stative verbs

Stative verbs, such as “know,” “believe,” and “own,” describe states rather than actions and should not be used in the present perfect continuous tense.

Incorrect: I have been knowing him for years.

Correct: I have known him for years.

Using the present perfect tense with these verbs is essential to convey the correct meaning.

Mastering the present perfect tense requires understanding its proper usage and avoiding common errors. By being aware of these common mistakes—misuse of time expressions, confusion between tenses, omitting auxiliary verbs, misplacing “ever” and “never,” incorrect use of “for” and “since,” confusing present perfect with present perfect continuous, and using non-continuous verbs incorrectly—learners can improve their English proficiency.