is used to show a connection between the past and the present. It usually occurs in two main situations:

a)

Ex: - Ive been to Paris.

- Mr Johns has travelled to France twice.- 60 % of respondents have cheated on an exam.

- Have you ever written to a magazine? No, Ive never written to a magazine.

- She is the most beautiful woman I have ever met.

- Ive already seen this film, I know what it is about.

MIND THE DIFFERENCE:

Ive been to Paris. BUT I was in Paris two weeks ago.

Have you ever been to Paris? BUT When were you in Paris?

b)

Ex: - I have just got back from London.

- Have you met him lately?

- Recently Ive been responsible for planning and organization of conferences.

(with lately and recently Past Simple can be used - I was at the theatre very recently. )

c)

Ex: - Have you finished writing the letter yet? (Is the letter written?)

- John has lost his job. (Now John is unemployed.)

- The price of gold has increased. (Now the price is high.)

- You look so sad. What has happened?

MIND THE DIFFERENCE:

John has lost his job. Now John is unemployed.

BUT

Last month John lost his job, but he found a new one which is more interesting and well-paid a week ago.

Ex: - Ive been here for ten minutes. (Im still here.)- He has won many contests since 1998.

- Ive written 4 letters today.- During (In) the last two years Ive visited 6 countries.

- I havent had a holiday this year.

- How many novels has Stephen King written?

MIND THE DIFFERENCE:Ive written 4 letters today. BUT I wrote 4 letters yesterday.Ive written 4 letters today. (we are interested in the result 4 letters) BUT Ive been writing this letter for the whole day today. (we are interested in the process)

Have you met Tom this morning? (It is still morning) BUT Did you meet Tom this morning? (It is not morning already)

During (In) the last two years Ive visited 6 countries. BUT Last year I visited 6 countries.

How many novels has Stephen King written? BUT How many novels did Charles Dickens write?Ive studied at the University for 3 years. (Im still a student) BUT I studied at the University for 5 years, and graduated from it last year. (Im not a student any more)

1

2