The Present Perfect Tense
Use the present perfect form of verbs in contrast to the simple past tense, understanding how the present perfect indicates an action completed at an unspecified time or with ongoing relevance (e.g., 'He has gone out' vs 'He went out')
Suggested ages 7–11
Learning journey
Your child is learning more sophisticated grammar — using irregular verbs and plurals correctly, punctuating speech, choosing the right pronouns and conjunctions, and understanding when to use different verb tenses.
Evidence of understanding
- Form the present perfect using 'has/have' + past participle (e.g., 'She has eaten', 'They have finished')
- Choose between simple past and present perfect to match the intended meaning (e.g., 'I ate lunch' vs 'I have eaten lunch')
- Identify the present perfect form in a text and explain why the author used it instead of simple past
Assessment prompt
Can The Present Perfect Tense explain the difference between "I ate breakfast" (simple past) and "I have eaten breakfast" (present perfect) — knowing one means a finished action and the other links the past to right now?
Standards alignment
L.5.1b
Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts & Literacy in History/Social Studies, Science, and Technical Subjects · 5
Present perfect form of verbs
The national curriculum in England: Key stages 1 and 2 framework document · Key Stage 2
Use perfect form of verbs
The national curriculum in England: Key stages 1 and 2 framework document · Key Stage 2
Use present perfect form
The national curriculum in England: Key stages 1 and 2 framework document · Key Stage 2