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Anonymous Posted 18 years ago
Grammar

Present Perfect Functions

Hi,

I'm struggling to get my head around present perfect functions. My studies tell me there are the following 4 types, with these descriptions:


A. It describes a state, event or habit that started in the past, and continues to the present and may continue into the future. For example:
  • I have lived in this house for six years.
B. It describes an event which was completed sometime in the past, but which has some significance to the present. For example:
  • I’m not hungry just now. I’ve just eaten.
C. It describes an experience you had in the past which you remember clearly. For example:
  • I have done a bungee jump.
D. We use the present perfect form to check that something has been done or completed. For example:
  • Have you finished the washing up yet?
I've gone through a long list of statements and marked them A,,B,C, or D, but I'm stuck with the following:

- Dominic has been out with many girlfriends in his life
- I've forgotten my keys again
- Cindy has been good at science since she was a young girl
- Geraint has made a complete fool out of himself many times
- I haven't seen my brother for two years now

If someone can explain the reasons when responding I would really appreciate that.

Thanks in advance,
  

Top answer

The various meanings listed are not so clear cut; they often overlap, so that, for instance: I've forgotten my keys agai n -- A, B, C.

— Mister Micawber

  • The various meanings listed are not so clear cut; they often overlap, so that, for instance: I've forgotten my keys agai n -- A, B, C.
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3 Answers
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The various meanings listed are not so clear cut; they often overlap, so that, for instance:

I've forgotten my keys again -- A, B, C.
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1. Dominic has been out with many girlfriends in his life [C]
2. I've forgotten my keys again
3. Cindy has been good at science since she was a young girl [A]
4. Geraint has made a complete fool out of himself many times [C]
5. I haven't seen my brother for two years now [A]


1. This example is a life experience. The clue is the words 'in h
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- Dominic has been out with many girlfriends in his life [C] (multiple) experiences
- I've forgotten my keys again [ B] significance for the present: I'm locked out.
- Cindy has been good at science since she was a young girl [ A] Continued state from past to present.
- Geraint
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