Discussion and practice for using present perfect and present perfect progressive tense
Today we are going to review and practice using the Present Perfect and Present Perfect Progressive tenses.
First, let's review these two types of verb tenses.
Present Perfect:
- Used to talk about an action that happened at some unknown or unspecified time in the past.
- Also used to talk about an action that began in the past and is still happening in the present (now).
- Use has/have + past participle verb form to create this tense. Remember, most - but not all - past participle verb forms end in -ed, such as talked, walked, or created.
Examples:
I have lived in Maryland. This example shows how you can use Present Perfect to talk about an unspecified time in the past.
Tim has gone to school since he was five years old. This example shows an action that started in the past and is still happening now.
I have lived in Maryland. This example shows how you can use Present Perfect to talk about an unspecified time in the past.
Tim has gone to school since he was five years old. This example shows an action that started in the past and is still happening now.
Present Perfect Progressive:
- Purpose is to talk about an action that started in the past, is still happening now in the present, and may even continue into the future.
- Use has/have been + present participle verb form to create this tense. Remember, present participle verv forms end in -ing.
Examples:
Sarah has been thinking about moving to Utah. This example shows a thought action that began in the past, is still happening now, and may continue to happen in the future.
Max has been running every day for almost six weeks. In this example, you can see that Max began running nearly six weeks ago, is still running today, and will probably continue running tomorrow and into the future.
Practice Activities
To practice using the Present Perfect and Present Perfect Progressive tenses, please read the two short stories below. Once you are finished reading, go back to the beginning of each story and write down every instance of Present Perfect and Present Perfect Progressive tense you can find. I have circled the first instance in each story for you as an example. Please do this in the following way:
DIRECTIONS: On the class website, locate the discussion post called FINDING VERBS. Post a reply that lists the story character first. Then list the instances of Present Perfect and Present Perfect Progressive verbs as you encounter them in each story. This will look as follows:
Jenny is a Pirate: has wanted, has admired...
Mike Loves Cats: has been volunteering...
Do this for both stories and then submit.
Jenny is a Pirate
Mike Loves Cats
DIRECTIONS: Once you have finished finding all of the Present Perfect and Present Perfect Progressive verbs in the two stories above, please write a short story of your own. It should be from six to eight (6-8) sentences long and should use the Present Perfect and Present Perfect Progressive tenses as much as possible. I expect at least three (3) instances of each of these two verb tenses. That's six (6) examples in total but feel free to include more!
Post your story on the class website in a separate post from your reply to finding the verbs. It should be posted as a reply to the MY STORY discussion. Label your reply as YOUR NAME - Story. Please comment on at least two (2) stories written by your classmates and share what you liked about the story as well as pointing out an example of Present Perfect and Present Perfect Progressive tenses used in their stories.
If you want additional practice with Present Perfect and Present Perfect Progressive verbs, there is a fun game you can play or you can look at some additional stories. This is optional and is not required.