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Present perfect

Present perfect simple

Usage

We use the present perfect when an action is complete.

We've played a fantastic game.

(= We've finished it.)

We often use the present perfect with verbs that have the idea of a short time or a single action: stop, finish, start, cut, break, die, lose, find, buy.

Ivan has cut his finger.

Present perfect continuous

Usage

We use the present perfect continuous when an action isn't complete and might continue.

We've been playing a fantastic gamе.

(= We haven't finished it and we'll continue playing it.)

We often use the present perfect continuous with verbs that have the idea of a very long time or a repeated action: learn, try, rain, play, wait, work.

Karel and Markus have been working for ages!

for and since

We can use for and since with both the present perfect simple and continuous.

Since tells us when an action started.

He's been travelling since March.

For describes the duration of a state or action. It is followed by a period of time.

He's been travelling for five months.

Present perfect vs. past simple

We use the present perfect when we talk about unfinished time periods or when we don't mention a time period. We often use it with this morning, this year etc. and for or since.

I've become more confident this year.

They've decided to study business.

He's had this laptop for two years.

(= He's still got it.)

We use the past simple to talk about finished time periods. We use it with expressions like when or ago.

I didn't feel confident when I was younger. I had a laptop in 2016.

We did the business course two years ago.

(= I haven't got it now.)

Adverbial clauses and phrases of concession

We use adverbial clauses and phrases of concession to contrast two opposite meanings and show unexpected results or surprises.

Though, although and even though are followed by a clause.

We put on our jackets and went for a walk though it was rainy.

Although it's raining, it's still warm outside.

Though is more common than although in general and it is much more common than although in speaking. For emphasis, we often use even with though.

These students already know how to read even though they are still in kindergarten.

Despite and in spite of are followed by a gerund or noun phrase

In spite of having very little money, they are happy.

Despite all my careful plans, a lot of things went wrong.

Expressing contrast

We use in contrast, whereas, however and although to express contrast.

I loved working in the bank. In contrast, Lee hated it.

We like history, whereas Jessica thinks it's boring. Community work is fun. However, it's also hard work. I didn't really like the course, although it was useful.