Unit 8. Present Perfect (2) (I have done)
(настоящее совершенное время 2)

Study this example situation:

DAVE: Have you travelled a lot, Jane? JANE: Yes, I've been to lots of places. DAVE: Really? Have you ever been to China? JANE: Yes, I've been to China twice. DAVE: What about India? JANE: No, I haven't been to India.
When we talk about a period of time that continues from the past until now, we use the Present Perfect (have been / have travelled etc.). Here, Dave and Jane are talking about the places Jane has visited in her life (which is a period that continues until now).

Have you ever eaten caviar? (in your life)
We've never had a car.
"Have you read Hamlet?" "No, I haven't read any of Shakespeare's plays."
Susan really loves that film. She's seen it eight times!
What a boring film! It's the most boring film I've ever seen.

In the following examples too the speakers are talking about a period that continues until now (recently / in the last few days / so far / since breakfast etc.):

Have you heard from George recently?
I've met a lot of people in the last few days.
Everything is going well. We haven't had any problems so far.
I'm hungry. I haven't eaten anything since breakfast. (= from breakfast until now)
It's nice to see you again. We haven't seen each other for a long time.

Unit 8. Present Perfect (2) (I have done)

We use the Present Perfect with today / this morning / this evening etc. when these periods are not finished at the time of speaking (see also Unit 14. Present Perfect and Past (2) (I have done and I did) (настоящее совершенное и простое прошедшее времена 2)):

I've drunk four cups of coffee today.
(perhaps I'll drink more before today is finished)
Have you had a holiday this year (yet)?
I haven't seen Tom this morning. Have you?
Ron hasn't worked very hard this term.

Note that we say "It's the first time something has happened" (Present Perfect}. For example:

Don is having a driving lesson.
He is very nervous and unsure because it is his first lesson.

It's the first time he has driven a car. (not drives)
or He has never driven a car before.

Linda has lost her passport again.
It's the second time this has happened. (not happens)
This is a lovely meal.
It's the first good meal I've had for ages. (not I have)
Bill is phoning his girlfriend again.
That's the third time he's phoned her this evening.

See Unit 7. Present Perfect (1) (I have done) (настоящее совершенное время 1).
See Unit 11. How long have you (been)…? (настоящее совершенное время).
See Unit 12. When…? and How long…? For and since (сравнение Past Simple и Present Perfect).
See Unit 13. Present Perfect and Past (1) (I have done and I did) (настоящее совершенное и простое прошедшее времена 1).
See Unit 14. Present Perfect and Past (2) (I have done and I did) (настоящее совершенное и простое прошедшее времена 2).
See Appendix 7. American English (американский диалект).

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Unit 8. Present Perfect (2) (I have done) (настоящее совершенное время 2)

Unit 8. Present Perfect (2) (I have done)
(настоящее совершенное время 2)