When to use the present tense and present perfect in one sentence?
You need to use the present tense and present perfect in one sentence to add more depth and detailed information to your statement. You need to use the present tense to talk about habits, routines, and facts. Whereas the present perfect is used to describe the result (from the past till now). I explained both of these tenses here!
How to use the present tense and present perfect?
Present perfect 👉 (has/ have + verb 3)
present tense 👉 if the subject is (he, she, it), add (es, s, ies) to the end of the verb. If the subject is (I, we, they, you), don’t add anything to the verb.
Let’s have a look at the following examples to learn how to make sentences using the present tense and present perfect:
Subject + Present Tense + conjunction + Present Perfect.
Example:
He works at the company and has worked there for about 5 years.
Explanation:
the first part of the sentence (works at the company) explains the fact and the second part (has worked) explains the ongoing result from the past till the moment.
Example:
She studies Spanish and has learned many words this week.
Explanation:
The first part explains a fact (studies – simple present) and the second part (has learned – present perfect) explains the result.
More examples:
They are teachers and have taught in the same school for about two years.
We visit our grandparents every month and have deeply enjoyed visiting them.
How to create questions using the present tense and present perfect?
To combine the present simple with present perfect, you need to follow this structure:
If you would like to start the question with the simple present form, use this 👇
Do/Does + subject + base form of the verb + conjunction + have/has + subject + past participle?
If you would like to start the question with the present perfect form, use this 👇
Have/Has + subject + past participle + conjunction + do/does + subject + base form of the verb?
Examples:
Does he play tennis and has he played in any tournaments?
Have they travelled to Thailand and do they like it there?
Have you written any books lately and do you plan to write soon?
Has he taught French and does he teach other languages too?
Explanation:
Use the present tense to ask about facts, opinions, habits
Use the present perfect to ask about relevant experiences/ actions (result up to the moment)
Use conjunctions to connect between the present tense and perfect perfect.
How to create negative sentences using the present tense and present perfect?
You need to add (not) after the present simple & the present perfect. Let’s have a look at the following examples to learn more about the present simple and perfect structure:
Examples:
She does not follow a diet, and so, she has not lost the expected weight.
He does not save money, so he has not gone on a vacation.
I do not sleep well, and therefore, I have not had enough rest.
They do not read enough books, and so they have not expanded their vocabulary.
*You can use the complete form (have not/ has not) or the contraction form (haven’t/ hasn’t), it depends on the person you speak with. Professionally and in formal settings, use the complete form. When speaking informally with family, friends, chatting, etc use the contraction form.
I hope you find this English grammar lesson useful, let me know if you have any questions related to the combination of present tense and present perfect or if you have any suggestions for the upcoming topics. Yesterday, I explained another English grammar topic here so feel free to check it 🙂 Also, if you need a private discussion or lessons, email me 🙂
Have a great day & take care!