Learning is a treasure that will follow its owner everywhere.

timing

Stages

Activities and learning modes

Expectations

5min

Exercise 1(Terminal S)

Put the verbs in brackets into present perfect simple or continuous.

1A: What’s the problem? You look a bit preoccupied.

  B: I (think)……………………. about Helen.

  A: Why is there something wrong with her?

  B: Well, she (act)…………………. so strangely lately.

  A: In what way?

  B: Well, some days when she arrives at work, I know that she (cry)……………………………. And she (make) …………………….private calls when we are all out at lunch. I just think that something is going on.

  A: (you/talk) to her about it?

  B: Yes, a few times, and its time she (says) that there is nothing wrong. But I am not sure.

Rewrite the sentences using present perfect continuous + for or since

2 John started his phone call twenty minutes ago and he is still talking.

John……………………………………………………

3. Sam and I arranged to meet at 7:00 a.m I arrived on time but I am still waiting for Sam to arrive.

I………………………………………………………..

4. Laura felt sick at lunchtime today and she is still feeling sick.

Laura…………………………………………………..

Exercise 2 (Terminal L)

Put the verbs in brackets into present perfect simple or continuous.

Tim Bryant, a magazine journalist, is interviewing Margaret Rodwell, a founder of a successful company.

TB: So why do you think your company (be)…………… so successful?

MR: Well, our products (fill)………………... a large gap in the market and I think one of the most important thing is that we (always listen)…………………... to our clients and we (act)……………………... on their comments and suggestions.

TB: And what’s a typical day for you?

MR: Well, take example for example. I (interview) ……………….candidates for a marketing executive post.

TB: And how many (you/interview)…………………….?

MR: Er. I (interview)…………………. four so far. And I talk to clients on the phone on and off all the day. I seem to spend a lot of time on the phone. I (discuss) ……… …........ some new ideas with them for the transportation and delivery of our products.

TB: Mm, it sounds like a very busy day.

MR: Oh; that’s only part of it. I (have)……………… two meetings, one with union representatives and one with departmental heads. And I (also work)………………... on a proposal for a new marketing strategy.

TB: And it’s not two o’clock yet!

MR: Not, but of course I (be)……………………….. here since seven o’clock this morning.

TB: Gosh. And I hope you don’t mind my mentioning this Ms. Roswell, but some rumors (circulate)…………. ………………... about your possible engagements to Mr. Grimaldi, the banker.

MR: No, there will be no engagement, though it’s true that Mr. Grimaldi and I (see)………………… each other. That’s no secret.

TB: When you get the time I suppose. And is it also true that you (learn)…………………... Russian with a view to introducing your products there?

MR: Yes, I have but I (not learn)…………………... much yet. There is a long way for me to go.

NOTE

Usages of the present perfect simple

It’s more a present tense than a past tense. It doesn’t really describe the past. It expresses a link between the past and the present but insists more in the present situation.

1. The action began in past and ended in past but has repercussions (connections, results) in the present.

I have trained my body so hard (now I am a very healthy old man)

I have worn the lottery (that’s why I am very rich)

2. The action began in the past and continues in the present. Most  of the time we use the –ing

He has been studying so hard (he deserves a reward)

I have been living in Bambey since I was born.

3. We often use it with some time expressions: this morning, this evening, today, this week, this semester etc.

I have had five cups of tea today.

I haven’t seen Tom this morning.

Liz hasn’t studied very much this semester.

4. When the action is located in a given period which hasn’t finished at the moment we talk.

In almost 12 years, the government has not succeeded in convincing the public opinion.

5. We use since and for to say how long something has been happening.

She has been working here since April. (starting point)

She has been working here for six months. (duration)

Remark:

A -We can use the present perfect with Just (=a short time ago) the action is neither in the past nor in present

“Would you like something to eat?”

“no, thanks, I have just had lunch”

B -We use already to show that something has happen sooner than expected

C –We often use ever and never

Have you ever eaten foufou?

We have never had a car

D – After a superlative

What a boring movie! It’s the most boring movie I have ever seen.

E – We often use yet to show that the speaker is expecting something to happen.

Has it stopped raining yet? (question)

I haven’t heard about him yet (negation)

F. In the same vein we have: so far, up to now, lately, recently, until now etc.

Present perfect simple or continuous?

Variation

Can you say? : I have been knowing her

I have been having that house

Why? Because they are static verbs