Present Perfect
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Form
The Present Perfect is constructed by using the verb "have" in the Present Simple as an auxiliary and the Past Participle form of the verb.
+ Subject + Have/Has + Particple + Object
- Subject + Have not/Has not (Haven't/Hasn't) + Participle + Object
? Have/Has + Subject + Have/Has + Participle + Object?
The Participle form of the verb has no change so it is the auxiliary that changes with the subject.
I / you / we / you / they : Have
he / she / it : Has
Function
We use the Present Perfect to talk about:
experiences in the past:
I have been to Madrid
without specific reference to time
Compare:
A) I have been to Madrid
B) I went to Madrid last year
experiences that have an impact on the present
He has hurt his arm
(It still hurts now)
We have eaten too much
(We still feel full now)
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Further Functions
There are some words we can use with the Present Perfect that can add further information or meaning to the tense. These "magic words" are discussed here
Spelling notes for the Particple form
The vast majority of verbs have a regular structure so the participle is formed by adding -ED to the end of the infinitive. There are some exceptions.
Irregular verbs are covered here.
Related topics
Further functions of the Present Perfect
The Present Perfect Continuous
