We use PAST SIMPLE to describe COMPLETED ACTIONS in the past. However, PRESENT PERFECT can also be used in some cases. Compare the different uses of present perfect and how in some cases they can be considered complete while others can be considered incomplete.
1. Present perfect can describe a completed action
But only if the result or relevance is connected to the present.
Examples:
I have finished my homework. → The action is complete, and the result matters now (I’m free now).
She has broken her leg. → The breaking happened in the past, but the result (her leg is still broken) affects the present.
They have visited London before. → The visit is complete; it’s about life experience up to now.
✔ The action is complete, but the time is not specified or the result still matters now.
2. Present perfect can also describe an action that is not complete
This happens when the present perfect is used with for / since to talk about actions that began in the past and continue into the present.
Examples:
I have lived here for 10 years. → I still live here.
She has worked at the company since 2020. → She still works there.
We have known each other since childhood. → The knowing continues.
✔ The action is not finished — it is ongoing.
complete or Incomplete Summary:
| Use | Is the action finished? | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Life experience | ✔ Finished | I have visited Japan. |
| Recent action with present result | ✔ Finished action, result now | I have lost my keys. |
| Unspecified time in the past | ✔ Finished | He has seen that film. |
| Action continuing until now | ✘ Not finished | I have lived here for years. |
📝 Exercise 1: Complete or Incomplete?
Read each sentence and decide whether the action is COMPLETE or INCOMPLETE in the present perfect.
Example: I have lived here for 5 years. → INCOMPLETE (still living here)
Now you try:
1. She has written three books.
2. They have known each other since childhood.
3. I have just finished my lunch.
4. We have studied English for two months.
5. He has broken his glasses.
6. I have walked this trail many times.
My parents have lived in Spain for a long time.
The museum has added a new section.
I have waited here for an hour.
She has never tried sushi.
Answers
1. She has written three books. → COMPLETE
(The writing is finished; result = she now has three books.)
2. They have known each other since childhood. → INCOMPLETE
(They still know each other.)
3. I have just finished my lunch. → COMPLETE
(The action is done; result = I’m finished eating.)
4. We have studied English for two months. → INCOMPLETE (We are still studying.)
5. He has broken his glasses. → COMPLETE
(The breaking happened; result = glasses are still broken.)
6. I have walked this trail many times. → COMPLETE (Life experience; each walk is finished.)
7. My parents have lived in Spain for a long time. → INCOMPLETE (They still live there.)
8. The museum has added a new section. → COMPLETE (The addition is finished.)
9. I have waited here for an hour. → INCOMPLETE
(I am still waiting.)
10. She has never tried sushi. → COMPLETE
(It refers to her life experience up til now; the “not trying” is complete in each moment of the past.)
📝 Exercise 2: Identify the Reason
Write A, B, or C depending on the use of the present perfect:
A = Completed action with present result
B = Experience in life (unspecified time)
C = Action that started in the past and continues now
1. My grandparents have lived in this house for 50 years.
2. I have known her for many years.
3. She has already opened the window.
4. I have never ridden a horse.
5. They have worked together since 2021.
6. He has lost his wallet.
7. We have visited Rome several times.
8. I have studied piano since childhood.
9. The cat has broken a glass.
10. She has travelled a lot.
Answers
1. I have known her for many years. → C
2. She has already opened the window. → A
3. I have never ridden a horse. → B
4. They have worked together since 2021. → C
5. He has lost his wallet. → A (result: he doesn’t have it now)
6. We have visited Rome several times. → B
7. I have studied piano since childhood. → C
8. The cat has broken a glass. → A
9. She has travelled a lot. → B
10. My grandparents have lived in this house for 50 years. → C
📝 Exercise 3: Create Your Own
Write 1 complete and 1 incomplete present perfect sentence.
Example:
Complete: I have cleaned my room.
Incomplete: I have studied Spanish for three years.
