present perfect

[ prez-uhnt pur-fikt ]

noun

1. a verb construction, in English made up of the present tense of the auxiliary verb have followed by the past participle of the main verb, used to express an action or state that is complete at the time of speaking or writing and that is thought of with regard to its current relevance or effect, such as I have finished the book now, so you can have it and She has been with me through thick and thin.

adjective

1. designating a verb construction used to express an action or state that is complete at the time of speaking or writing and that is thought of with regard to its current relevance or effect.

present perfect

adjective

1. grammar another term for perfect perfect

Word History and Origins

Origin of present perfect¹

First recorded in 1570–80

Example Sentences

"As the future perfect turns into the present perfect, we can apply ourselves to creating a tolerable present and future — for ourselves and for the rest of life," Nijhuis writes.

From Salon

As an elected official committed to forward progress, I reject ideologically pure politics that present perfect as the enemy of the good.

From Seattle Times

Lately I’ve been doing a deep dive into the origins of English grammar, specifically the difference between past participle and present perfect.

From New York Times

It’s a commonplace that social media such as Instagram pressure us to present perfect versions of ourselves: here we are, beautiful and happy, living our best lives #blessed.

From The Guardian

But Trump’s awkwardness was not limited to placing Douglass in the present perfect tense.

From Washington Post