English · B1 · Grammar · about 8 min
Have + the third form. Use it when the time is unfinished or unsaid. Use the past when the time is finished.
The form is have or has, plus the past participle. The meaning is a link to now. If you can point at a finished time, you don't want this tense.
FormI've / we've / they've + participle
UseUnfinished time, or no time
ExampleI've already had pizza today.
FormShe's / he's / it's + participle
UseSame, third person
ExampleShe's just left.
FormI had + past
UseFinished time
ExampleI had pizza yesterday.
| Form | Use | Example |
|---|---|---|
| I've / we've / they've + participle | Unfinished time, or no time | I've already had pizza today. |
| She's / he's / it's + participle | Same, third person | She's just left. |
| I had + past | Finished time | I had pizza yesterday. |
A1 can order the slice in the present. The perfect shows up when you need already, yet, for, and since.
Life experience
I've never tried pineapple on pizza.
Unfinished time
I've had two coffees today.
News
She's just texted.
1 / 5
Today is not finished. You ate pizza at noon.
I've already had pizza today.
Today isn't over. Already + present perfect.
Anya at 2pm, refusing a second lunch.
I had pizza yesterday.
Yesterday is finished. Past simple.
The Friday slice is a closed story.
I've lived here for three years.
For + a period that reaches now.
The flat, not a story about moving day.