the usage of present perfect simple

[Hadeer]

Dear friends
Please help me in this misunderstanding that I faced concerning the usage of Present Perfect Simple. We all agree that in the present perfect simple:
No definite time is given for the events. They are a series of actions in our life up to now.
e.g.
I have been to France three times.
Well, how about this sentence, which is also, correct:
I have taught English in this department since 2003.
As you see, there is a specification of time here.
How can I explain such contradiction to my student?

[Kitosdad]

You will need Alan to answer that. Anything beyond simple Past/Present/Future is way out of my realm.

That's why I'm here, but having too much fun answering what I can, instead of learning.
_________________
Keep it simple ... Keep it interesting.

[Inga]

We use Present Perfect Simple to denote an action, that has happened in the past, but is connected with the present (e.g. we can see the result). Also we can use Present Perfect when we count how many times we have done something, and we have the period 'up to now'. The period started in the past. Since that moment and 'up to now' - is the period.

(Excuse me, I edited my post: instead of Continuous I put down Perfect.)
_________________
I am an incurable optimist.

[Alan]

Hi Hadeer,

Your question:

[Hadeer]

Good evening Alan,
Thanks for your replying, but dear as we said; “there is no specification in time when we use the present perfect,” time is indefinite. Nevertheless, as you see, when we say: I have worked in France since 2001.
Here it is a clear specification of time, and this will contradict with what is said about the indefiniteness of time. So how can I explain such thing to my student?
Please tell me?

[Inga]

'Since 2001' is not the time of the action expressed by Present Perfect. Something else happened (Past Simple) then, e.g. you started working or moved to France, etc.
_________________
I am an incurable optimist.

[Alan]

Hi Hadeer,

You have to remember that the Present Perfect is not concerned with points of time but either indefinite time or, as I explained above, with periods of time. Your students should be told that the Present Perfect combines 'then' and 'now' and doesn't talk about just 'then'.

You can summarise the uses of Present perfect as expressing:

1 The indefinite past as in: I have lived in Paris

2 A period of time from then till now as in: I have lived in Paris for three years/since 2006

3 The recent past as in: I have just come back from Paris.

In none of the above is there an indication of precise or definite time in the past.

Alan
_________________
English as a Foreign Language
You can read my EFL story Progressive Forms

[Hadeer]

Good Morning Sir,
thank you very much for the explanation. It is totally clear now.

Best regard
Hadeer

[Kitosdad]

Good morning Alan, I felt the need to say just how much I enjoy your articles, and replies in response to questions.

I do so admire the tenacity of the advanced students who pursue the more complex points of English grammar.

I came onto this site with the intention of doing the same, but I fear I have left it too late in life to do so, and instead I content myself with replying to the more basic questions.

Nevertheless, I derive a great deal of satisfaction in doing so.

I am envious of your command of grammar, and now wish that I had taken far more interest earlier in life. ( and in school .)

Wishing you continued success, and good health to continue in your chosen profession.

Bill ... aka Kitosdad.
_________________
Keep it simple ... Keep it interesting.

[Alan]

Please activate Javascript in your browser to listen to this audio recording

37 Listened

Download mp3	Click to listen

Hi Bill,

Many thanks for your kind comments. It's great that you enjoy answering questions on the forum and it's appreciated that you do so on a regular basis. It's also pleasing for me to have a fellow septuagenerian on board!

Best wishes,

Alan
_________________
English as a Second Language
You can read my ESL story Passive Voice

[Lephuoc]

It could be clearer if you draw an axis of time as we usually see in grammar lessons.