When do I use the present perfect tense in English?

The present perfect (have/has + past participle) connects past to present.

Four main uses:

1. Experience — ever/never:
"Have you ever eaten sushi?" (at any point in your life up to now)

2. Recent events with present relevance:
"I've lost my keys." (they're still lost now — it affects the present)
"She's left the company." (it happened and is relevant now)

3. Unfinished time periods:
"I've worked here for five years." (still working there)
"We haven't spoken this week." (the week isn't over)

4. Change/achievement:
"He's become more confident." (a change from past to present)

When to use simple past instead:
When the time is finished and specified. "I worked there for five years" (implies you no longer do). "I lost my keys yesterday" (specific time).

British vs American: British English uses present perfect more often. Americans more readily use simple past: "Did you eat yet?" vs British "Have you eaten yet?"

Tags: grammar, present perfect, tense, common mistakes