Present Perfect – Signal Words

 

The present perfect tense is easy to build (have + past participle/’third verb form’ e.g. I have done it) But using it correctly is quite challenging. Luckily, there are some tricks that can help you.
Just, yet, still, already- These signal words are often used with the present perfect tense and help you identify the tense. Take a look at the table below and try out the quiz!

  • Signal word
  • just
  • yet
  • already
  • still
  • Position in sentence
  • between the auxiliary/main verb (have) and the past participle/third form.
  • used for questions or negative sentences and at the end of the sentence
  • between the auxiliary/main verb (‘have’) and the past participle/third form or at the end of the sentence
  • between the subject/pronoun and the auxiliary/main verb
  • Meaning
  • a short time ago
  • at any time up to now
  • earlier than expected
  • taking longer than expected
  • Example
  • I have just finished the report.
  • I haven’t finished the report yet. Have you finished the report yet?
  • I have already finished the report. I have finished the report already.
  • I still haven’t finished the report.

1.

They say they sent the parts two weeks ago but they ____ haven’t arrived.

 
 
 
 

2.

I haven’t spoken to the customer _____. We have a meeting scheduled for tomorrow.

 
 
 
 

3.

The meeting ____ hasn’t finished. They’ve been in that room for over 3 hours!

 
 
 
 

4.

I’ve ____ created a draft timeline. Let’s meet to discuss whether the deadlines are feasible.

 
 
 
 

5.

I’ve ____ got out of a meeting. Let me grab a coffee and I’ll be right with you.

 
 
 
 

6.

Have you finished writing up the minutes ____? We need to send them out today.

 
 
 
 

7.

Sorry to keep you waiting. I’ve ____ come out of another meeting.

 
 
 
 

 

1 reply
  1. Arno Schmaul
    Arno Schmaul says:

    It is always a pleasure to do the quiz. It helps me to identify uncertenties in using english language and to improve.
    Please continue.

    Reply

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