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 finally identified a cash cow product.
The company hasn't had much liquidity in years.
The customer's requirements for his account have been met since the beginning of last quarter.
Positive Form:
Subject + have + past participle + (object(s))
XYZ corporation has done better than predicted allowing for a large stock dividend this quarter.
Negative Form:
Subject + have + not + past participle + (object(s))
Our company hasn't had any account activity.
Question Form:
(Wh?) + have + subject + past participle + (object(s))
How long has it taken the loan officer to review your letter of credit?
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 finally identified a cash cow product.
The company hasn't had much liquidity in years.
The customer's requirements for his account have been met since the beginning of last quarter.
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:
It's usually prudent to take this into consideration when considering which bank to select.
The futures market doesn't open for operations on federal holidays.
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:
Mr. Bill has worked in David and Stevenson Warehouse since 2007.
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 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.
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.
Our bank has used this warehouse for three years.
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 it taken the loan officer to review your letter of credit?
How long has the limited liability company been in existence?