Definition / Explanation
We also use the present perfect with a time period that is still continuing, such as today, this week, or this year. The action happened inside that period, and the period is not finished yet at the moment of speaking. Because the time is still open, the event still has a connection to now. The focus is usually on the result or amount inside that period, not on the exact moment. If the period is clearly finished, English normally changes to the past simple.
Key Rules
- Use the present perfect if the time period is still open: today, this month, this year.
- Form: have/has + past participle.
- The exact moment is not the focus; the result inside the period is important.
- If the time period is finished, use the past simple instead.
- The choice can change depending on when you speak: this morning may be open or finished.
Examples
- I have had three meetings today.
- She has written two emails this morning.
- We have sold a lot of tickets this week.
- My team has won twice this season.
- I have not eaten much today.
Common Mistakes
- ❌ I had three meetings today. -> ✅ I have had three meetings today.
- ❌ She has wrote two emails this week. -> ✅ She has written two emails this week.
- ❌ We have seen him yesterday. -> ✅ We saw him yesterday.
Tips
- Ask yourself whether the time period is still alive now. If yes, the present perfect is often correct.