How to Form a Question in Present Perfect and Various Time Words Used in Present Perfect

Understanding how to form questions in the present perfect tense and the use of various time words is crucial for expressing actions or situations that span from the past to the present. This lesson explores the structure of present perfect questions and the role of specific time expressions that are commonly used.

Forming Yes-No Questions in Present Perfect Tense

To form a Yes-or-No question in the present perfect tense, use the formula: "Have"/"Has" + subject + past participle form of verb. This tense is used when the action has an impact on the present moment or is still relevant.

Forming 5W1H Questions in Present Perfect Tense

For 5W1H questions, try to think about whether you want to make a subject question or an object questions.

Subject question

The question word is acting as the subject of the sentence.

Grammar Rule: Question word ("What", "When", etc.) + "have"/"has" + past participle form of verb?

Object question

The question word is acting as the object of the sentence.

Grammar Rule: Question word ("What", "When", etc.) + "have"/"has" + subject + past participle form of verb?

Using Time Words with Present Perfect

Time words such as "since," "for," "yet," "never," "ever," and "before" are important in present perfect sentences to indicate the time frame or duration of an action.

Time words are placed differently within the sentence based on their type.

• "Since" indicates the start time.
• "For" indicates the duration.
• "Yet" is often used in questions or negative sentences to suggest that something hasn't happened up to now.
• "Never" and "ever" speak about experience. "Never" is a stronger form of "not". "Ever" is used in a question sentence.
• "Before" indicates any time prior to now.
• "In" indicates a length of time, and it's used in a negative sentence.