Past to Present
Present Perfect
Present Perfect to Express Past to Present
The present perfect connects an action or state which began in the past and to the present moment in time.
I've prepared three documents to transfer power of attorney this week.
I've asked my creditor to wait for more than a week, as the loan officer was supposed to come to a decision last Friday.
Mr. Willis has used his debit card since getting it in November.
Positive Form:
Subject + have + past participle + (object(s))
We have made our product the gold standard in the industry.
Negative Form:
Subject + have + not + past participle + (object(s))
I haven't had a money market account at your bank for a long time.
Question Form:
(Wh?) + have + subject + past participle + (object(s))
How long has the limited liability company been in existence?
Present Perfect to Express Duration
When an action begins in the past and continues into the present moment we use the present perfect. This use of the present perfect expresses duration over time FROM the past moment TO the present moment.
Example:
I've prepared three documents to transfer power of attorney this week.
I've asked my creditor to wait for more than a week, as the loan officer was supposed to come to a decision last Friday.
Mr. Willis has used his debit card since getting it in November.
Contrast to the Present Simple
The use of the present simple expresses activities that occurs on a regular basis, such as habits and routines.
Example:
Hari works as an asset manager in that firm.
I transfer funds to my savings account several times a week.
In contrast, the use of the present perfect expresses actions that take place over time beginning in the past and coming into the present moment in time.
Example:
The cash cow product has done well considering the economy.
I haven't had a money market account at your bank for a long time.
Use of 'For', 'Since' and 'How long'
Use 'for' with the present perfect or present perfect continuous to indicate the duration of an activity or state.
They have worked to our mutual benefit for four years.
I've asked my creditor to wait for more than a week, as the loan officer was supposed to come to a decision last Friday.
Use 'since' with the present perfect or present perfect continuous to indicate a specific point in time an activity or state began.
Mr. Willis has used his debit card since getting it in November.
Mr. Bill has worked in David and Stevenson Warehouse since 2007.
'How long' is used in questions to ask about the duration of an activity or state.
How long has the limited liability company been in existence?
How long has it taken the loan officer to review your letter of credit?