Unit 8. Present perfect 2 (I have done).
Unit 8; Part A
Study this example conversation:DAVE: JANE: DAVE: JANE: DAVE: JANE: | Have you travelled a lot, Jane? Yes, I've been to lots of places. Really? Have you ever been to China? Yes, I've been to China twice. What about India? No, I haven't been to India. |
When we talk about a period of time that continues from the past until now, we use the present perfect (have been / have travelledetc.). Here, Dave and Jane are talking about the places Jane hasvisited in her life (which is a period that continues until now).
Some more examples:
• Have you ever eaten caviar? (in your life)
• We've never had a car.
• 'Have you read Hamlet?' 'No, I haven't read any of Shakespeare's plays.'
• Susan really loves that film. She's seen it eight times!
• What a boring film! It's the most boring film I've ever seen.
Been (to) = visited:
• I've never been to China. Have you been there?
In the following examples too, the speakers are talking about a period that continues until now (recently / in the last few days / so far / since breakfast etc.):
• Have you heard from Brian recently?
• I've met a lot of people in the last few days.
• Everything is going well. We haven't had any problems so far.
• I'm hungry. I haven't eaten anything since breakfast. (= from breakfast until now)
• It's good to see you again. We haven't seen each other for a long time.
Unit 8; Part B
We use the present perfect with today / this evening / this year etc. when these periods are not finished at the time of speaking (see also Unit 14B):• I've drunk four cups of coffee today.
• Have you had a holiday this year (yet)?
• I haven't seen Tom this morning. Have you?
• Rob hasn't studied very hard this term.
Unit 8; Part C
We say: It's the (first) time something has happened. For example:• Don is having a driving lesson. It's his first one.
It's the first time he has driven a car. (not drives)
or He has never driven a car before.
• Sarah has lost her passport again. This is the second time this has happened. (not happens)
• Bill is phoning his girlfriend again. That's the third time he's phoned her this evening.
Exercises
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