008 : Present perfect 2 (I have done)

   A   

Study this example conversation:

DAVE: Have you travelled a lot, Jane?

JANE: Yes, I've been to lots of places.
DAVE: Really? Have you ever been to China?
JANE: Yes, I've been to China twice.
DAVE: What about India?
JANE: 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 travelled etc.). Here, Dave and Jane are talking about the places Jane has visited in her life, which is a period that continues until now.

 

Some more examples:

• Have you ever eaten caviar?
• 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?

 

 

   B   

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 anything 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.

 

 

   C   

In the same way 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?
• I haven't seen Tom this morning. Have you?
• Rob hasn't worked very hard this term.

 

 

   D   

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.