PRESENT PERFECT 

   

   Recent events:

   The present perfect is used to describe recent events without a definite time. The idea of
   time or place in the speaker's mind makes the event recent. A time expression may emphasize
   recentness.

   There is always a connection with NOW.

                           I've left my shopping bag behind. (I still haven't got it.)

                           I've just broken my watch. (It is still broken.)

               We can also describe events that have not happened.

                           I haven't found her phone number yet.

   The event may be connected with the present, because the result of the event is present. No
   definite time is given for the event.

                           I've broken my arm, as you can see.

                          

   We often use the present perfect to give new information or to announce a recent happening.

                           Oh, I've cut my finger.

                           The road is closed. There's been an accident. 

   

   With verbs that describe states, the present perfect describes a state which lasts up to the
   present.

               I've lived in this house for five years.

               I've been living in this house for five years

   

   KEY WORDS:          JUST, ALREADY and YET

   RECENTLY, IN THE LAST FEW DAYS, SO FAR, SINCE, FOR

                           Everything is going well. We haven't had any problems so far.

   

               Present perfect simple:

               The ceiling was white. Now it is blue. Ann has painted the ceiling.

   `Has painted` is a completed action. We are interested in the result of the activity (the
   painted ceiling) not the activity itself.

               + How much, how many, how many times (completed actions)

                           Mary has written five letters today.

   

               Present perfect continuous:

   Ann's clothes are covered in paint. She has been painting the ceiling.

   We are interested in the activity. It does not matter whether something has been finished.

   + How long (for an activity that is still happening)         

                           Mary is still writing letters. She has been writing letters all day.