Present perfect (2) (I have done)

 
  A. Study this example conversation:

  DAVE: Have you travelled a lot, Jane?

  JANE: Yes, I've been to lots of places.

  DAVE: Really? Have you ever been to China?

  JANE: Yes, I've been to China twice.

  DAVE: What about India?

  JANE: No, I haven't been to India.

  When we talk about a period of time that continues from the past until now, we use the present perfect (have been/have travelled etc.). Here, Dave and Jane are talking about the places Jane has visited in her life (which is a period that continues until now).

  * Have you ever eaten caviar? (in your life)

  * We've never had a car.

  * 'Have you read Hamlet?' 'No, I haven't read any of Shakespeare's plays.'

  * Susan really loves that film. She's seen it eight times!

  * What a boring film! It's the most boring film I've ever seen.

  In the following examples too the speakers are talking about a period that continues until now (recently/in the last few days/so far/since breakfast etc.):

  * Have you heard from George recently?

  * I've met a lot of people in the last few days.

  * Everything is going well. We haven't had any problems so far.

  * I'm hungry. I haven't eaten anything since breakfast. (= from breakfast until now)

  * It's nice to see you again. We haven't seen each other for a long time.

    B. We use the present perfect with today/this morning/this evening etc. when these periods are not finished at the time of speaking:

  * I've drunk four cups of coffee today. (perhaps I'll drink more before today is finished)

  * Have you had a holiday this year (yet)?

  * I haven't seen Tom this morning. Have you?

  * Ron hasn't worked very hard this term.

    C. Note that we say 'It's the first time something has happened' (present perfect).

  Don is having a driving lesson. He is very nervous and unsure because it is his first lesson.

  * It's the first time he has driven a car. (not 'drives') or He has never driven a car before.

  * Linda has lost her passport again. It's the second time this has happened. (not 'happens')

  * This is a lovely meal. It's the first good meal I've had for ages. (not 'I have')

  * Bill is phoning his girlfriend again. That's the third time he's phoned her this evening.