The formula for the present perfect tense provides a structured framework to accurately construct sentences. Understanding and applying the formula ensures correct verb usage and helps convey actions or events that have occurred in relation to the present moment.
Here’s the formula for forming positive, negative, interrogative, interrogative negative and wh-word sentences in the present perfect tense:
(1) Positive Sentence:
[Subject + have/has + 3rd form of verb + Object]
Examples:
- I have completed my assignment.
- She has written a beautiful poem.
- They have finished their dinner.
- He has won the race.
- We have visited that museum before.
(2) Negative Sentence
[Subject + have/has + not + 3rd form of verb + Object]
Examples:
- They have not traveled to Europe.
- She has not completed her assignment.
- He has not finished reading the book.
- We have not received any updates about the project.
- The team has not won any matches this season.
(3) Interrogative Sentence
[Have/Has + subject + 3rd form of verb + Object?]
Examples:
- Have you seen the new movie that everyone is talking about?
- Have they finished the project on time?
- Has she visited that famous landmark before?
- Have you ever tried sushi?
- Has he received the package yet?
(4) Interrogative Negative Sentence
[Have/Has + subject + not + 3rd form of verb + Object?] OR [Haven’t/Hasn’t + subject + not + 3rd form of verb + Object?]
Examples:
- Have you not seen that movie? or Haven’t you seen that movie?
- Hasn’t she finished her assignment yet? or Hasn’t she finished her assignment yet?
- Have they not traveled to Europe before? or Haven’t they traveled to Europe before?
- Has he not studied for the test? or Hasn’t he studied for the test?
- Haven’t we received any updates about the project? or Haven’t we received any updates about the project?
(5) Wh-Word Form:
[Wh-word + have/has + subject + 3rd form of verb + Object?]
Examples:
- Where have you been?
- How long has she worked here?
- Have they ever traveled abroad?
- What have you studied in college?
- What has he said about the new project?