Page 474 - Practical English Usage 3ed - Michael Swan, Oxford

457 1
3
ever, before, recently etc
But with words that mean 'at some/any time up to now' (like ever, before, never, yet, recently, already), we normally use the present perfect (see 455.5).
Have you ever been to Chicago? I've seen this film before.
time not mentioned
We use the present perfect when we are thinking of a period of 'time up to now', even if we do not mention it.
Have you seen 'Romeo and Juliet'? (= Have you ever seen it? or Have you seen the present production?)
You've done a lot for me. (... up to now)
On the other hand, we do not use the present perfect when we are thinking of a particular finished time, even if we do not mention it.
Did you see 'Romeo and Juliet'? (It was on TV last night.) My grandfather did a lot for me. (... when he was alive)
news and details
We normally use the present perfect to announce news (see 455.4). But when we give more details, we usually change to a past tense.
Joe has passed his exam! He got 87%.
There has been a plane crash near BristoL Witnesses say that there was an
explosion as the aircraft was taking off, ...
The Prime Minister has had talks with President Kumani. During a three-
hour meeting. they discussed the economic situation, and agreed on the
need for closer trade links between the two countries.
For more details, exceptions and notes on American usage, see 457.6.
present perfect (3): perfect or past (advanced points)
causes and origins: Who gave you that?
We normally use the present perfect when we are thinking about past events together with their present results (see 455.3).
I can't come to your party because I've broken my leg.
However, we usually prefer a past tense when we identify the person, thing or circumstances responsible for a present situation (because we are thinking about the past cause, not the present result). Compare:
- Look what John's given me! (thinking about the gift)
Who gave you that? (thinking about the past action of giving)
- Some fool has let the cat in.
Who let that cat in?
Other examples:
Why are you crying?- Granny hit me. (NOT ... GMnllY htt3 hit me.) I'm glad you were born. How did you get that bruise?
That's a nice picture. Did you paint it yourself?
Some people think that 'Pericles' was not written by Shakespeare. The Chinese invented paper. (NOT The Chinese haf!e inf!erlted I'4I'fIF.)
4
5
present perfect (3): perfect or past (advanced points) 457
page 442