English Grammar & Use - B1+ Suite
B1 Base
START
The Uses Of PRESENT PERFECT
TALKING ABOUT EXPERIENCES
OUTCOME STATEMENT: Confident use of Present Perfect when talking about LIFE EXPERIENCE, WORK EXPERIENCE and SUPERLATIVE EXPERIENCES.
STUDY TIME: 45 - 60 Minutes QUIZ: 30 Questions in 30 Minutes
The Uses Of PRESENT PERFECT
TALKING ABOUT EXPERIENCES
1. Present Perfect for Life Experience
2. Present Perfect for Superlative Experiences
INFO about 'Scenarios' used in AIM4 modules
3. Present Perfect for Work/Job Experiences
4. Short Review
Returning user?JUMP TO MODULE DOWNLOADS & QUIZ ARCHIVE
THE USES OF PRESENT PERFECT: 2. LIFE EXPERIENCE - page 1 of 6
Experiences are things that happen to you or things you do that you remember because they were interesting, exciting, enjoyable, or sometimes even difficult. They can be activities, events, or situations you have lived through. For example, if you visit a new country, meet new people, or try a new food, these are all experiences.
NB: The word "experience" can be both countable and uncountable, but it has different meanings in each case.
We use the Present Perfect to talk about our EXPERIENCES*
*Definition
UNCOUNTABLE: Experience, some experience, a lot of experience
- Experience (uncountable) means the knowledge or skills you gain over time by doing something.
- It is not about one event but rather everything you've learned.
Example: How much experience have you got with computers?
- You are asking about the overall knowledge or skill someone has gained in this area.
We usually use present simple to talk about uncountable experience Qu: Do you have any public speaking experience? Ans: Yes, some.
COUNTABLE: An Experience, many experiences, a strange experience
- Experience (countable) refers to specific events or things that have happened to you.
- These are individual moments or activities that you can count.
Example: I've had many interesting experiences in my life.
- You are talking about different events, like traveling to a new country or learning a new skill.
Phrases:
- I had a strange experience last night (Past Simple)
- I had many great experiences on my safari in Africa last year (Past Simple)
- You'll never experience anything interesting sitting in your room! Go out, live a little!! (Will used as prediction plus Experience main verb)
Many Experiences or Much Experience??
NEXT: Uncountable Use
Click Here For Practice!
Countable/Uncountable & Quantity Expressions
WORKSHEETDOWNLOAD
NEXT
In this module, we are focusing mainly on the countable meaning
THE USES OF PRESENT PERFECT: 2. LIFE EXPERIENCE - page 2 of 6
So, we use the Present Perfect if we want to talk about experiences, e.g. Qu: Have you ever seen a ghost? Ans: Yes, I have seen a ghost. I've seen a ghost means that we saw a ghost once - we saw it at some, undefined time during our life. When we use the present perfect, we never say exactly WHEN the action happened. We don't say WHEN with present perfect because present perfect is always 'present'. It's a present tense, not a past tense. If you want to say WHEN something happened, use PAST SIMPLE!! If we are talking about experiences that occured during our lives, the experience is PRESENT in our mind, in our memory. It's on the CV of things we have done in our lives!
The CV of our life
NEXT
THE USES OF PRESENT PERFECT: 2. LIFE EXPERIENCE - page 3 of 6
SKIP SCENARIOS
Lets start by looking at the questions we use to ask about people's experiences. The most common question form is:Have you ever + past partciple? e.g. Have you ever read War & Peace? Look at scenarios 1 to 4 to see it in action
- Read through FOCUS 1 & 2 carefully
- Listen to the pronunciation guide
- Do the Practice
- Download the worksheet
- Click NEXT when you want to move on
SCENARIO 3
SCENARIO 1
SCENARIO 4
SCENARIO 2
2) In informal conversation, we can cut out the 'Have you' and simply ask 'Ever been to Germany?'
- No, never.
- No, I haven't ever.
- No, not even once.
3) The standard answers are:
- Yes, I have.
- No, I haven't.
Alternative answers:
- Yes, once.
- Yes, many times.
4) Be careful not to specify when you did an action, e.g. "Yes, I've been there last year" BECAUSE YOU MUSTN'T SPECIFY WHEN YOU DID SOMETHING WHEN USING PRESENT PERFECT.
However, you can say, "Yes, I have. I went last year. USE PAST SIMPLE TO GIVE DETAILS ABOUT WHEN!
Have you ever been to Chios? Really? When did you last go? Why did you first go there?
Yes, I've been there 3 times. I last went 10 years ago on business (The last time I went was 10 years ago). I first went as a student on a cultural exchange trip (the first time I went was...).
1) The question form is Present Perfect Simple, not continuous.
e.g.Have you ever been fishing?
FOCUS 1 PRESENT PERFECT SIMPLE for ASKING about LIFE EXPERIENCE
nb: Have you ever been fishing? is Present Perfect Simple.The infinitive verb form is 'to go fishing'. Fishing is not a continuous verb in this case, it's a gerund.
1) NOT...YET >>> We use 'not...yet' to talk about things we haven't done, but expect to do at some future point
FOCUS 2 PRESENT PERFECT for TALKING about LIFE EXPERIENCE
- 'I haven't seen that film yet' VERSUS 'I haven't seen that film'
The addition of 'yet' shows that the speaker expects to see the film at some future point.
This is just a neutral statement of fact
NB: 'YET is commonly used to ask if something which we expect to happen, has in fact happened:
Jim: 'Hey Jack, have you started at univeristy yet?'
'NOT....YET' is then used to indicate that we have not started or finished something:
Jack: 'No Jim, I haven't started yet. I'm starting next month'
2) ALREADY >>> We use 'already' to highlight that an event or situation occurs earlier/sooner than expected, or earlier/sooner than is usual.
- I've already visited 30 countries in my life, and I'm only 23!
- I know it's only midday, but I've already had lunch.
2) In informal conversation, we can cut out the 'Have you' and simply ask 'Ever been to Germany?'
- No, never.
- No, I haven't ever.
- No, not even once.
3) The standard answers are:
- Yes, I have.
- No, I haven't.
Alternative answers:
- Yes, once.
- Yes, many times.
4) Be careful not to specify WHEN you did an action, e.g. "Yes, I've been there LAST YEAR" BECAUSE YOU MUSTN'T SPECIFY WHEN YOU DID SOMETHING WHEN USING PRESENT PERFECT.
However, you can say, "Yes, I have. I went last year. USE PAST SIMPLE TO GIVE DETAILS ABOUT WHEN!
Have you ever been to Chios? Really? When did you last go? Why did you first go there?
Yes, I've been there 3 times. I last went 10 years ago on business (The last time I went was 10 years ago). I first went as a student on a cultural exchange trip (the first time I went was...).
1) The question form is Present Perfect Simple, not continuous.
e.g.Have you ever been fishing?
FOCUS 1 PRESENT PERFECT SIMPLE for ASKING about LIFE EXPERIENCE
nb: Have you ever been fishing? is Present Perfect Simple.The infinitive verb form is 'to go fishing'. Fishing is not a continuous verb in this case, it's a gerund.
FOCUS 2
Click Here if You Want to Review FOCUS 1
NEXT: SUPERLATIVE EXPERIENCES
Pronunciation: Audio Guide
Why we don't use Past Simple
WORKSHEETDOWNLOAD
Click Here For Practice!
PRESENT PERFECT & PAST SIMPLE >>
THE USES OF PRESENT PERFECT: 2. LIFE EXPERIENCE - page 4 of 6
Now, let's investigate 'Superlative' experiences, e.g. This is the best ice cream I've ever had! It's really so delicious! I've never had such a delicious one. If you want to review superlative forms briefly, click the first green button You might also want to review strong adjectives like 'delicious' because they are a natural fit with superlatives. To do that, click the second button. Finally, it's worth brushing up on 'so' & 'such' When you are ready, work through the scenarios.
Superlatives
So & Such
ExtremeAdjectives
SCENARIO 2
SCENARIO 1
- Use superlative adjectives with present perfect to tell people about your 'top of my list' or 'bottom of my list' life experiences
You can use this form either;
- When the experience is happening: e.g. This is the most delicious ice cream I've ever had.
- When the experience is finished: e.g. Last week I had the most delicious ice cream I've ever had.
- To tell people about experiences near the 'top of my list' or near the 'bottom of my list', use;
- When the experience is happening: e.g. This is one of the most delicious ice creams I've ever had.
- When the experience is finished: e.g. Last week I had one of the most delicious ice creams I've ever had.
SUPERLATIVE EXPERIENCES
Q&A PracticeLexical Focus
NEXT: TALKING ABOUT EXPERIENCES ON YOUR C.V
THE USES OF PRESENT PERFECT: 2. LIFE EXPERIENCE - page 5 of 6
At the start of this mini-module, I talked about the CV of our life; A mental list of our experiences. I also mentioned 'the bucket list'; things we haven't done in our life, but want to.But what about our work 'CV', the one we send to potential employers? How do we talk about RELEVANT EXPERIENCES in job interviews?
CVs Talking about Your Experience
Some typical Interview Questions
So, if you don't say WHEN you did/got an experience, you can always use Present Perfect to talk about it
NEXT: A SHORT REVIEW TO REFRESH YOUR MEMORY
THE USES OF PRESENT PERFECT: 2. LIFE EXPERIENCE - page 6 of 6
I hope you've had a good learning experience! Now, just complete the module by reviewing the 3 main points we've just looked at. Click the buttons when you are ready
WELL DONE!YOU HAVE FINISHED THE PRESENT PERFECT for EXPERIENCE MODULE click here for next steps
General Life Experience
e.g. Have you ever been to the mountains? Have you ever been camping in the mountains?
1. Standard question: HAVE YOU EVER + PAST PARTICIPLE?
2. Standard answers:
Positive:Yes, I have. Yes, many times. Yes, once.
Negative:No, I haven't. No, never. No, I haven't ever done that! No, not even once (emphatic)
3. Lists of experience
e.g. "EU Countries? Oh yes, I've been to France, Germany, Italy, Spain, The Netherlands and Austria."
4. Use Past Simple to give details.
e.g. "I went to France when I was a student, Germany was last year, uhm, Italy was in 2016, Holland 2 years ago and Austria just last month."
camping is a noun!
Talking about your CV
1. If you don't mention a date, almost anything on your CV can be a 'life experience'
Qualifications: "I've done an Undergraduate degree, I've done a master's and I've done many certifications such as CDLP, PMP etc"
Jobs: "I've done several jobs. I've been a postman, I've been a policeman, I've been a fireman and I've been an odd-job-man"
"and currently I'm doing a PHD"
"and currently I'm working as a painter and decorator"
Superlative Life Experience
1. Standard question: WHAT'S THE BEST 'NOUN' YOU HAVE EVER + PAST PARTICIPLE?
e.g. What's the best coffee you have ever drunk?
1.1 NO Standard answers!
Declaring the best depends on the question and your experiences, e.g. The best coffee I have ever drunk was in Italy in 2016!
2. Spontaneously declaring that something is the best/worst etc
- This is the very best coffee I have ever had!
- I've never had better coffee than this!
- That was the best coffee I've ever tasted!
- I've never had better coffee than the ones I had in Italy in 2016.
During the experience
After the experience
Current actions/states are PRESENT simple/continuous NOT PRESENT PERFECT
From Unit 1. Present Perfect for Life Experience
EXPERIENCE as a NOUNDOWNLOAD
Click Here For Practice Quiz
Countable/Uncountable & Quantity Expressions >>
PRESENT PERFECT FOR EXPERIENCEDOWNLOAD
Click Here For Practice!
PRESENT PERFECT & PAST SIMPLE >>
Been vs Gone
Pronunciation: Audio Guide
From Unit 2. Present Perfect for Superlative Experiences
Superlatives
So & Such
Extreme Adjectives
Superlative Q&A PracticeLexical Focus
From Unit 3. Present Perfect for Work/Job Experiences
Some typical Interview Questions
Focus on learning some of the vocabulary
Have a look at these questions and the focus areas. How would you answer them?
Reveal model answers
Scenarios
Scenarios are windows containing animations which are designed to illustrate language points in context You can access the scenarios by clicking these buttons in the module pages:
SCENARIO
The scenarios are animated chats between characters on screen >>>>>>>>>>>>>
The animations start a few seconds after you open the window and play automatically. NOTE:
- The animations cannot be paused.
- You can replay the animations as many times as you want by closing then opening the window again.
- If you cannot follow the dialogue, don't worry! At the end of each animation all the text is re-presented for review
The text of every chat is available for review at the end of the animation >>>>>>>>>>>>>
1. We can't use Past Simple to ask a living person about their whole life experience:
Did you ever go to Greece in your life?
Incorrect because it Implies that you are DEAD
Did Elvis ever go to Greece in his life?
Correct: Elvis died in 1977. Nothing about his life is present Past Simple refers to past, finished time.
2. Past Simple requires you specify What (the verb) & When (the time frame), so this is what happens if you try to use Past Simple to ask someone if they have an experience on their life's CV e.g. Go to Greece?
Did you go to Greece last year?Did you go to Greece 2 years ago? Did you go to Greece 3 years ago? Did you go to Greece 4 years ago? Did you go to Greece 5 years ago? Did you go to Greece 6 years ago? etc
So use Present Perfect, because Present Perfect is interested in WHAT not WHEN Have you (ever) been to Greece?
No, I didn't.No, I didn't. No, I didn't. No, I didn't. No, I didn't. No, I didn't.
I've gone fishing/shopping etc is usually used as a written or voice note to explain where you are now
FOCUS: BEEN or GONE?
BEEN is the past participle of 'BE' and means 'go & return' whereas GONE is the past participle of 'GO' and means only 'go'
I want to go fishing. I need to go shopping. I 'd like to go skiing. I have to go to work today.
There are many verb phrases that use 'GO + ING' or 'GO + TO' as the infinitive, but often become 'BEEN + ING' or 'BEEN + TO' in Present Perfect: Compare:
I've been to the cinema = I went to the cinema and then left the cinema i.e. I was at the cinema, but I'm not there now
I've gone to the cinema = I went to the cinema & I am still at the cinema now
Have you ever been fishing? I've been shopping today. (= I went shopping today, but I'm not shopping now) I've been skiing twice. ( = I went skiing in the past, but I'm not skiing now) I've been to work today. (= I was at work, but I'm not there now)
I've gone fishing. (I went fishing & am still fishing now) I've gone shopping. (I went to the shops and am still there) I've gone skiing. (I went skiing and am still skiing now) I've gone to work. (I went to work and am still at work)
Infinitives
Go becomes 'been'
Go becomes 'gone'
Sign on a shop door to explain why the shop is shut
Voice note explaining where someone is
WORKSHEETDOWNLOAD
Read through these typical 'Recruiter' questions and think about how you would answer them using Present Perfect.
When you have reflected and maybe written down some ways you would answer these questions, click the button to open a downloadable sample of candidate answers
Download
CONNECTED SPEECH in ENGLISH
When mother tongue speakers talk, they do not pronounce each individual word in isolation. They connect sounds together. Connected speech in English refers to the natural way words are PRONOUNCED TOGETHER in a sentence, often involving reductions in the LENGTH of VOWELS (the letters A, E, I, O and U are vowels, but there are many other vowel sounds)
THEORY
Audio
When using Present Perfect, the auxilliary verb HAVE is often pronounced with a short vowel sound . The short vowel used is called schwa and it sounds like this:
The auxilliary verb HAVE , when mother tongue speakers are talking normally, has 2 distinct sounds: 1) /həv/ 2) /əv/ (often the /h/ is dropped in connected speech) The third person sounds like 1) /həz/ or 2) /əz/ The auxilliary verb HAVE can also be pronounced like the main verb HAVE, i.e. /hæv/ . However this is unusual in connected speech because it communicates emphasis. Finally, in connected speech, 1) The past participle BEEN is often pronounced with a short vowel sound, /I/ not /I:/, and so been sounds like 'bin' 2) The subject 'YOU' is often shortened to /jə/ 3) The preposition 'TO' is often shortened to /tə/
Audio
Audio
Audio
Now, listen to some sentences and try to mimic the sound & rhythm. You hear each twice. The first is slower, the second normal native speed
PRACTICE
1) Have you ever been to Africa?
4) She has never been to Rome.
2) I have never seen a ghost.
5) I have been to America, but I have never been to Canada
3) Have you been to Rome many times?
6) Has she ever been to France?
Now do the practice exercises on the site
Come back soon to review & consolidate.
FOLLOW THE DIALOGUE.
Now, close the window
Hey Frank, ever read 'One Hundred Years of Solitude'?
No, never.
I've read it a couple of times, but I haven't seen the tv adaption that came out in April 2024
What's stopping you?
I can understand that. Films and series are often such a disappointment if you have read the book.
I don't want the tv series to ruin my memory of the book!
What's stopping you?: An expression that means 'explain to me why you don't do or haven't done something' Jane says: 'I'd like another slice of cake, but...' Jim asks: 'What's stopping you?' Jane replies: 'I'm on a diet!' & Jane says: 'I haven't had a holiday recently, but I'd like to!' Jim asks: 'What's stopping you from having one?' Jane replies: 'I can't take time off from work at the moment, that's what's stopping me!'
Lexical Note:
I can understand that. Films and series are often such a disappointment if you have read the book.
I've read it a couple of times, but I haven't seen the tv adaption that came out in April 2024
What's stopping you?
Hey Frank, ever read 'One Hundred Years of Solitude'?
No, never.
I don't want the tv series to ruin my memory of the book!
WORKSHEETDOWNLOAD
FOLLOW THE DIALOGUE.
Now, close the window
Well, I think being a System Analyst was the most stimulating role I have ever had.
I see from your CV that you have covered many roles in IT. Can you tell me which you found most stimulating?
Really? Why's that?
It gave me an overview of how different IT systems work together. No other role has given me so many absolutely fundamental and unique insights.
It gave me an overview of how different IT systems work together. No other role has given me so many absolutely fundamental and unique insights.
I see from your CV that you have covered many roles in IT. Can you tell me which you found most stimulating?
Well, I think being a System Analyst was the most stimulating role I have ever had.
Really? Why's that?
Wow! This is the most amazing experience I have ever had...
He's so absolutely gorgeous, I've never been so deeply in love!
How disappointing! I've never caught such a tiny fish before.
Eureka! It works!! This is the most important discovery anyone has ever made!!!
I'm absolutley exhausted! I've never ridden so far before!!
I'm the Greatest Of All Time! Noboday has ever won more than me!!
Hi Maria, I went to that restaurant you recommended. You were right, the place is fantastic and the food was some of the tastiest I've ever had. The tiramisu was absolutely delicious, I've never had better. See you soon.
Now, close the window
FOLLOW THE ANIMATIONS.
Eureka! It works!! This is the most important discovery anyone has ever made!!!
Wow! This is the most amazing experience I have ever had...
He's so absolutely gorgeous, I've never been so deeply in love!
How disappointing! I've never caught such a tiny fish before.
Hi Maria, I went to that restaurant you recommended. You were right, the place is fantastic and the food was some of the tastiest I've ever had. The tiramisu was absolutely delicious, I've never had better. See you soon.
I'm absolutley exhausted! I've never ridden so far before!!
I'm the Greatest Of All Time! Noboday has ever won more than me!!
Adjectives exist in many groups, but 2 important groups are:
- Standard/normal e.g. The food was good
- Extreme/limit e.g. The food was delicious
We use different modifiers and Intensifiers with Extreme adjectives:
Here are some Standard adjectives with their Extreme alternatives:
WORKSHEETDOWNLOAD
I see from your CV that you HAVE BEEN to Oxford. That's a very difficult university to get in to, isn't it?
The interviewer said:
The interviewer has the CV and so can read the dates - the candidate knows this and so doesn't need to specify exactly when she studied at Oxford - it's enough to confirm that she 'has studied there' (Present Perfect for Life Experience). The candidate then used Past Perfect (thanks to grades I had earned at school) to correctly position this experience BEFORE Oxford.
That's right, I HAVE STUDIED at Oxford and, yes, it's quite selective, but thanks to the grades I HAD RECEIVED at school, I managed to get in.
The candidate replied:
The candidate used Present Perfect for Life Experience to list her skills
I've programmed in PYTHON I have made web pages in HTML5. I've matured a proficiency level I have used the MS Office suite. I have managed 25 projects I have gained valuable experience in teamwork. I have lived and worked in Germany I have also gained experience in French
NOTE: The candidate uses Present Simple to add her current job to the list of jobs 'she has had'
The interviewer said:
The interviewer used Present Perfect for life experience
I see that you HAVE HELD various positions. Take me through them, please.
The candidate REPLIED: (paraphrased)
I'VE BEEN a Special Political Advisor I HAVE also HELD three roles in Project Management. I HAVE BEEN a junior PM, I HAVE BEEN a senior PM I HAVE WORKED on government projects. And now I'm a Project Director
The candidate used Present Perfect to make a list of work experience,i.e. jobs she has had
The candidate said: (paraphrased)
TALKING ABOUT SKILLS
TALKING ABOUT WORK EXPERIENCE
TALKING ABOUT EDUCATION
Note: The dates on the sample CV are present, but deliberately illegible.
Click the buttons to see how we can talk about the CV without using any dates. Then click 'FOCUS'.
Sample CV
That's right, I have studied at Oxford and, yes, it's quite selective, but thanks to the grades I had earned at school, I managed to get in.
I see from your CV that you have been to Oxford. That's a very difficult university to get in to, isn't it?
The Interviewer Asks...
The Candidate Replies...
The Interviewer Asks...
The Candidate Replies...
I see that you have held various positions. Take me through them, please.
With pleasure! Well, I've been a Special Political Advisor to an MP. That was my first role after graduating from Oxford. I have also held three roles in Project Management. I have been a junior PM, I have been a senior PM and now I'm a Project Director. I have also worked abroad in this field, in Germany. Oh, and I've worked on government projects. That was after leaving the Political Advisor role.
VARIOUS
POSITIONS
OK, yes, well...I've programmed in PYTHON and have made web pages in HTML5. I think I've matured a proficiency level in those skills. I have used, and am expert in, the MS Office suite. So, that's IT. In Project Management I have managed 25 projects which means I have gained valuable experience in teamwork. My other salient skills are in languages. I have lived and worked in Germany so I'm proficient in that language. I have also gained experience in French through my husband. He's French!
FOCUS
The Candidate Replies...
The Interviewer Asks...
Let's move on to your skills. Would you give me an overview in a nutshell?
Lexis: In a nutshell = explain without too many details; Just give the basics.
Read through these typical 'Recruiter' questions and think about how you would answer them using Present Perfect.
When you have reflected and maybe written down some ways you would answer these questions, click the button to open a downloadable sample of candidate answers
Download
THEORY
CONNECTED SPEECH in ENGLISH
When mother tongue speakers talk, they do not pronounce each individual word in isolation. They connect sounds together. Connected speech in English refers to the natural way words are PRONOUNCED TOGETHER in a sentence, often involving reductions in the LENGTH of VOWELS (the letters A, E, I, O and U are vowels, but there are many other vowel sounds)
Audio
When using Present Perfect, the auxilliary verb HAVE is often pronounced with a short vowel sound . The short vowel used is called schwa and it sounds like this:
The auxilliary verb HAVE , when mother tongue speakers are talking normally, has 2 distinct sounds: 1) /həv/ 2) /əv/ (often the /h/ is dropped in connected speech) The third person sounds like 1) /həz/ or 2) /əz/ The auxilliary verb HAVE can also be pronounced like the main verb HAVE, i.e. /hæv/ . However this is unusual in connected speech because it communicates emphasis. Finally, in connected speech, 1) The past participle BEEN is often pronounced with a short vowel sound, /I/ not /I:/, and so been sounds like 'bin' 2) The subject 'YOU' is often shortened to /jə/ 3) The preposition 'TO' is often shortened to /tə/
Audio
Audio
PRACTICE
Audio
Now, listen to some sentences and try to mimic the sound & rhythm. You hear each twice. The first is slower, the second normal native speed
1) Have you ever been to Africa?
4) She has never been to Rome.
2) I have never seen a ghost.
5) I have been to America, but I have never been to Canada
3) Have you been to Rome many times?
6) Has she ever been to France?
I've gone fishing/shopping etc is usually used as a written or voice note to explain where you are now
FOCUS: BEEN or GONE?
BEEN is the past participle of 'BE' and means 'go & return' whereas GONE is the past participle of 'GO' and means only 'go'
I want to go fishing. I need to go shopping. I 'd like to go skiing. I have to go to work today.
There are many verb phrases that use 'GO + ING' or 'GO + TO' as the infinitive, but often become 'BEEN + ING' or 'BEEN + TO' in Present Perfect: Compare:
I've been to the cinema = I went to the cinema and then left the cinema i.e. I was at the cinema, but I'm not there now
I've gone to the cinema = I went to the cinema & I am still at the cinema now
Have you ever been fishing? I've been shopping today. (= I went shopping today, but I'm not shopping now) I've been skiing twice. ( = I went skiing in the past, but I'm not skiing now) I've been to work today. (= I was at work, but I'm not there now)
I've gone fishing. (I went fishing & am still fishing now) I've gone shopping. (I went to the shops and am still there) I've gone skiing. (I went skiing and am still skiing now) I've gone to work. (I went to work and am still at work)
Infinitives
Go becomes 'been'
Go becomes 'gone'
Sign on a shop door to explain why the shop is shut
Voice note explaining where someone is
WORKSHEETDOWNLOAD
FOLLOW THE DIALOGUE.
Sure, what's on?
Hi Frank, I've got some free tickets to the cinema. Wanna come with me tonight?
Now, close the window
Well, I haven't seen Avengers parts 1 to 7 yet, so perhaps part 8 isn't a good idea, but I've already seen The Fly part 3. Is there nothing else?
'Avengers part 8' and 'The Fly part 3'
Well, there is a late showing of the old classic 'Down by Law'. I've never seen it, have you?
I've seen it at least 5 times, but I love it! Let's see that!
Wanna...? a colloquial, informal way of inviting/offering
- Wanna come with me = Do you want to come with me? (inviting)
- Wanna coffee = Do you want a coffee (offering)
Notes
Down By Law - Directed by Jim Jarmusch (1986)
- known in Italy by it's phonetic spelling 'Daunbailò'
Well, I haven't seen Avengers parts 1 to 7 yet, so perhaps part 8 isn't a good idea, but I've already seen The Fly part 3. Is there nothing else?
Sure, what's on?
I've seen it at least 5 times, but I love it! Let's see that!
Well, there is a late showing of the old classic 'Down by Law'. I've never seen it, have you?
Hi Frank, I've got some free tickets to the cinema. Wanna come with me tonight?
'Avengers part 8' and 'The Fly part 3'
WORKSHEETDOWNLOAD
Adjectives exist in many groups, but 2 important groups are:
- Standard/normal e.g. The food was good
- Extreme/limit e.g. The food was delicious
We use different modifiers and Intensifiers with Extreme adjectives:
Here are some Standard adjectives with their Extreme alternatives:
WORKSHEETDOWNLOAD
The CV of our Life
Curricula vitae (plural) or Curriculum Vitae (singular), commonly shortened to CVs & CV, are usually assoiciated with looking for a job.
- We send our CV to a potential employer.
But did you know that Curriculum Vitae (from Latin) actually means 'in the course of one's life. So, in the course of our lives we all accumulate a mental Curricula Vitae, or list, of the things we have and haven't done: e.g.
- I've climbed Gran Sasso, but I haven't climbed Everest
- I've been to Greece and Turkey, but I haven't been to Albania.
- I've lived in Liverpool, Nottingham, London, Rome and Milan.
- I've worked for 8 language schools and 2 consulting companies.
The Bucket List
A bucket list is a list of the experiences or achievements that a person hopes to accomplish during their lifetime. It derives from the idiom "to kick the bucket" which means "to die". So the bucket list is your personal list of things you want to experience in your lifetime, or before you die. What's on your bucket list? Do you want to swim with dolphins? Maybe you want to write a novel! How about going parachuting? Perhaps you yearn to star in a film!
Focus on learning some of the vocabulary
Have a look at these questions and the focus areas. How would you answer them?
Reveal model answers
A4 CREATIONS © 2024 by JONATHAN BOYDELL is licensed under Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International
FOLLOW THE DIALOGUE.
close the window when you are ready
No, I haven't.
Have you ever seen 'Jaws' the movie?
No, I have never seen that either.
Well, have you ever seen 'Star Wars'?
No, I haven't ever watched any old films!
What about 'Back to the Future'? Have you ever seen that?
Ah, so you've never seen 'Ghostbusters' then?
Actually, I have seen that! It's a classic!
Actually, I have seen that! It's a classic!
No, I haven't.
No, I have never seen that either.
No, I haven't ever watched any old films!
Have you ever seen 'Jaws' the movie?
What about 'Back to the Future'? Have you ever seen that?
Well, have you ever seen 'Star Wars'?
Ah, so you've never seen 'Ghostbusters' then?
FOLLOW THE DIALOGUE.
Chios? Yes, I've been there 3 times actually.
Hi Frank, I'm planning a holiday to Chios, the greek island. Have you ever been there?
Now, close the window
Well, I last went there 10 years ago, so maybe the places to stay have changed, but I can tell you all about the main sights and beaches
Great, you can tell me where to stay and what to see then!
When did you go for the first time?
I first went when I was a student
Well, I last went there 10 years ago, so maybe the places to stay have changed, but I can tell you all about the main sights and beaches
I first went when I was a student
Hi Frank, I'm planning a holiday to Chios, the greek island. Have you ever been there?
When did you go for the first time?
Great, you can tell me where to stay and what to see then!
Chios? Yes, I've been there 3 times actually.
1. Use SO before adjectives & adverbs to add emphasis. e.g. it was so hot He spoke so quickly We often follow on with a 'that + subject verb' expression: e.g. It was so hot that I couldn't sleep (i.e. I couldn't sleep because it was so hot) You speak so quickly that I can't understand you (i.e. I can't understand you because you speak so quickly)
1 Use SUCH before a noun phrase (i.e. an adjective/modifier plus noun) e.g. such nice people (plural noun) such a big dog (singular countabale noun) such lovely weather (uncountable noun)
BE CAREFUL! Don't say 'it was such big dog' If you use a singular countable noun, you must say such a lovely day - such a good doggy - such a tasty meal
2. We also use SO with plural countable and uncountable nouns to emphasize quantity so many people (people is a plural countable so much money (money is an uncountable noun) If we are emphasising a verb, we use so much. e.g. work so much - eat so much - spend so much
2. The quantity expression 'a lot of' is commonly used with SUCH and both countable and uncountable nouns e.g. such a lot of people (= so many people) such a lot of money (= so much money)
3. Present Perfect for experience with Never - Rarely - Seldom I've never experienced such hot weather I've never been in such a fast car I've rarely seen such an angry man I've seldom eaten such a big dinner I've never seen such a big crowd of people I've never spent such a lot of money
3. Present Perfect for experience with Never - Rarely - Seldom I've never felt so hot I've never driven so quickly/fast I've rarely been so angry I've seldom eaten so much I've never seen so many people I've never spent so much money
WORKSHEETDOWNLOAD
1. Use SO before adjectives & adverbs to add emphasis. e.g. it was so hot He spoke so quickly We often follow on with a 'that + subject verb' expression: e.g. It was so hot that I couldn't sleep (i.e. I couldn't sleep because it was so hot) You speak so quickly that I can't understand you (i.e. I can't understand you because you speak so quickly)
1 Use SUCH before a noun phrase (i.e. an adjective/modifier plus noun) e.g. such nice people (plural noun) such a big dog (singular countabale noun) such lovely weather (uncountable noun)
BE CAREFUL! Don't say 'it was such big dog' If you use a singular countable noun, you must say such a lovely day - such a good doggy - such a tasty meal
2. We also use SO with plural countable and uncountable nouns to emphasize quantity so many people (people is a plural countable so much money (money is an uncountable noun) If we are emphasising a verb, we use so much. e.g. work so much - eat so much - spend so much
2. The quantity expression 'a lot of' is commonly used with SUCH and both countable and uncountable nouns e.g. such a lot of people (= so many people) such a lot of money (= so much money)
3. Present Perfect for experience with Never - Rarely - Seldom I've never experienced such hot weather I've never been in such a fast car I've rarely seen such an angry man I've seldom eaten such a big dinner I've never seen such a big crowd of people I've never spent such a lot of money
3. Present Perfect for experience with Never - Rarely - Seldom I've never felt so hot I've never driven so quickly/fast I've rarely been so angry I've seldom eaten so much I've never seen so many people I've never spent so much money
WORKSHEETDOWNLOAD
Present Perfect Uses: 2. LIFE EXPERIENCE
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Transcript
English Grammar & Use - B1+ Suite
B1 Base
START
The Uses Of PRESENT PERFECT
TALKING ABOUT EXPERIENCES
OUTCOME STATEMENT: Confident use of Present Perfect when talking about LIFE EXPERIENCE, WORK EXPERIENCE and SUPERLATIVE EXPERIENCES.
STUDY TIME: 45 - 60 Minutes QUIZ: 30 Questions in 30 Minutes
The Uses Of PRESENT PERFECT
TALKING ABOUT EXPERIENCES
1. Present Perfect for Life Experience
2. Present Perfect for Superlative Experiences
INFO about 'Scenarios' used in AIM4 modules
3. Present Perfect for Work/Job Experiences
4. Short Review
Returning user?JUMP TO MODULE DOWNLOADS & QUIZ ARCHIVE
THE USES OF PRESENT PERFECT: 2. LIFE EXPERIENCE - page 1 of 6
Experiences are things that happen to you or things you do that you remember because they were interesting, exciting, enjoyable, or sometimes even difficult. They can be activities, events, or situations you have lived through. For example, if you visit a new country, meet new people, or try a new food, these are all experiences.
NB: The word "experience" can be both countable and uncountable, but it has different meanings in each case.
We use the Present Perfect to talk about our EXPERIENCES*
*Definition
UNCOUNTABLE: Experience, some experience, a lot of experience
- Experience (uncountable) means the knowledge or skills you gain over time by doing something.
- It is not about one event but rather everything you've learned.
Example: How much experience have you got with computers?We usually use present simple to talk about uncountable experience Qu: Do you have any public speaking experience? Ans: Yes, some.
COUNTABLE: An Experience, many experiences, a strange experience
- Experience (countable) refers to specific events or things that have happened to you.
- These are individual moments or activities that you can count.
Example: I've had many interesting experiences in my life.- You are talking about different events, like traveling to a new country or learning a new skill.
Phrases:Many Experiences or Much Experience??
NEXT: Uncountable Use
Click Here For Practice!
Countable/Uncountable & Quantity Expressions
WORKSHEETDOWNLOAD
NEXT
In this module, we are focusing mainly on the countable meaning
THE USES OF PRESENT PERFECT: 2. LIFE EXPERIENCE - page 2 of 6
So, we use the Present Perfect if we want to talk about experiences, e.g. Qu: Have you ever seen a ghost? Ans: Yes, I have seen a ghost. I've seen a ghost means that we saw a ghost once - we saw it at some, undefined time during our life. When we use the present perfect, we never say exactly WHEN the action happened. We don't say WHEN with present perfect because present perfect is always 'present'. It's a present tense, not a past tense. If you want to say WHEN something happened, use PAST SIMPLE!! If we are talking about experiences that occured during our lives, the experience is PRESENT in our mind, in our memory. It's on the CV of things we have done in our lives!
The CV of our life
NEXT
THE USES OF PRESENT PERFECT: 2. LIFE EXPERIENCE - page 3 of 6
SKIP SCENARIOS
Lets start by looking at the questions we use to ask about people's experiences. The most common question form is:Have you ever + past partciple? e.g. Have you ever read War & Peace? Look at scenarios 1 to 4 to see it in action
SCENARIO 3
SCENARIO 1
SCENARIO 4
SCENARIO 2
2) In informal conversation, we can cut out the 'Have you' and simply ask 'Ever been to Germany?'
3) The standard answers are:
Alternative answers:
4) Be careful not to specify when you did an action, e.g. "Yes, I've been there last year" BECAUSE YOU MUSTN'T SPECIFY WHEN YOU DID SOMETHING WHEN USING PRESENT PERFECT.
However, you can say, "Yes, I have. I went last year. USE PAST SIMPLE TO GIVE DETAILS ABOUT WHEN!
Have you ever been to Chios? Really? When did you last go? Why did you first go there?
Yes, I've been there 3 times. I last went 10 years ago on business (The last time I went was 10 years ago). I first went as a student on a cultural exchange trip (the first time I went was...).
1) The question form is Present Perfect Simple, not continuous.
e.g.Have you ever been fishing?
FOCUS 1 PRESENT PERFECT SIMPLE for ASKING about LIFE EXPERIENCE
nb: Have you ever been fishing? is Present Perfect Simple.The infinitive verb form is 'to go fishing'. Fishing is not a continuous verb in this case, it's a gerund.
1) NOT...YET >>> We use 'not...yet' to talk about things we haven't done, but expect to do at some future point
FOCUS 2 PRESENT PERFECT for TALKING about LIFE EXPERIENCE
The addition of 'yet' shows that the speaker expects to see the film at some future point.
This is just a neutral statement of fact
NB: 'YET is commonly used to ask if something which we expect to happen, has in fact happened:
Jim: 'Hey Jack, have you started at univeristy yet?'
'NOT....YET' is then used to indicate that we have not started or finished something:
Jack: 'No Jim, I haven't started yet. I'm starting next month'
2) ALREADY >>> We use 'already' to highlight that an event or situation occurs earlier/sooner than expected, or earlier/sooner than is usual.
2) In informal conversation, we can cut out the 'Have you' and simply ask 'Ever been to Germany?'
3) The standard answers are:
Alternative answers:
4) Be careful not to specify WHEN you did an action, e.g. "Yes, I've been there LAST YEAR" BECAUSE YOU MUSTN'T SPECIFY WHEN YOU DID SOMETHING WHEN USING PRESENT PERFECT.
However, you can say, "Yes, I have. I went last year. USE PAST SIMPLE TO GIVE DETAILS ABOUT WHEN!
Have you ever been to Chios? Really? When did you last go? Why did you first go there?
Yes, I've been there 3 times. I last went 10 years ago on business (The last time I went was 10 years ago). I first went as a student on a cultural exchange trip (the first time I went was...).
1) The question form is Present Perfect Simple, not continuous.
e.g.Have you ever been fishing?
FOCUS 1 PRESENT PERFECT SIMPLE for ASKING about LIFE EXPERIENCE
nb: Have you ever been fishing? is Present Perfect Simple.The infinitive verb form is 'to go fishing'. Fishing is not a continuous verb in this case, it's a gerund.
FOCUS 2
Click Here if You Want to Review FOCUS 1
NEXT: SUPERLATIVE EXPERIENCES
Pronunciation: Audio Guide
Why we don't use Past Simple
WORKSHEETDOWNLOAD
Click Here For Practice!
PRESENT PERFECT & PAST SIMPLE >>
THE USES OF PRESENT PERFECT: 2. LIFE EXPERIENCE - page 4 of 6
Now, let's investigate 'Superlative' experiences, e.g. This is the best ice cream I've ever had! It's really so delicious! I've never had such a delicious one. If you want to review superlative forms briefly, click the first green button You might also want to review strong adjectives like 'delicious' because they are a natural fit with superlatives. To do that, click the second button. Finally, it's worth brushing up on 'so' & 'such' When you are ready, work through the scenarios.
Superlatives
So & Such
ExtremeAdjectives
SCENARIO 2
SCENARIO 1
You can use this form either;
SUPERLATIVE EXPERIENCES
Q&A PracticeLexical Focus
NEXT: TALKING ABOUT EXPERIENCES ON YOUR C.V
THE USES OF PRESENT PERFECT: 2. LIFE EXPERIENCE - page 5 of 6
At the start of this mini-module, I talked about the CV of our life; A mental list of our experiences. I also mentioned 'the bucket list'; things we haven't done in our life, but want to.But what about our work 'CV', the one we send to potential employers? How do we talk about RELEVANT EXPERIENCES in job interviews?
CVs Talking about Your Experience
Some typical Interview Questions
So, if you don't say WHEN you did/got an experience, you can always use Present Perfect to talk about it
NEXT: A SHORT REVIEW TO REFRESH YOUR MEMORY
THE USES OF PRESENT PERFECT: 2. LIFE EXPERIENCE - page 6 of 6
I hope you've had a good learning experience! Now, just complete the module by reviewing the 3 main points we've just looked at. Click the buttons when you are ready
WELL DONE!YOU HAVE FINISHED THE PRESENT PERFECT for EXPERIENCE MODULE click here for next steps
General Life Experience
e.g. Have you ever been to the mountains? Have you ever been camping in the mountains?
1. Standard question: HAVE YOU EVER + PAST PARTICIPLE?
2. Standard answers:
Positive:Yes, I have. Yes, many times. Yes, once.
Negative:No, I haven't. No, never. No, I haven't ever done that! No, not even once (emphatic)
3. Lists of experience
e.g. "EU Countries? Oh yes, I've been to France, Germany, Italy, Spain, The Netherlands and Austria."
4. Use Past Simple to give details.
e.g. "I went to France when I was a student, Germany was last year, uhm, Italy was in 2016, Holland 2 years ago and Austria just last month."
camping is a noun!
Talking about your CV
1. If you don't mention a date, almost anything on your CV can be a 'life experience'
Qualifications: "I've done an Undergraduate degree, I've done a master's and I've done many certifications such as CDLP, PMP etc"
Jobs: "I've done several jobs. I've been a postman, I've been a policeman, I've been a fireman and I've been an odd-job-man"
"and currently I'm doing a PHD"
"and currently I'm working as a painter and decorator"
Superlative Life Experience
1. Standard question: WHAT'S THE BEST 'NOUN' YOU HAVE EVER + PAST PARTICIPLE?
e.g. What's the best coffee you have ever drunk?
1.1 NO Standard answers!
Declaring the best depends on the question and your experiences, e.g. The best coffee I have ever drunk was in Italy in 2016!
2. Spontaneously declaring that something is the best/worst etc
During the experience
After the experience
Current actions/states are PRESENT simple/continuous NOT PRESENT PERFECT
From Unit 1. Present Perfect for Life Experience
EXPERIENCE as a NOUNDOWNLOAD
Click Here For Practice Quiz
Countable/Uncountable & Quantity Expressions >>
PRESENT PERFECT FOR EXPERIENCEDOWNLOAD
Click Here For Practice!
PRESENT PERFECT & PAST SIMPLE >>
Been vs Gone
Pronunciation: Audio Guide
From Unit 2. Present Perfect for Superlative Experiences
Superlatives
So & Such
Extreme Adjectives
Superlative Q&A PracticeLexical Focus
From Unit 3. Present Perfect for Work/Job Experiences
Some typical Interview Questions
Focus on learning some of the vocabulary
Have a look at these questions and the focus areas. How would you answer them?
Reveal model answers
Scenarios
Scenarios are windows containing animations which are designed to illustrate language points in context You can access the scenarios by clicking these buttons in the module pages:
SCENARIO
The scenarios are animated chats between characters on screen >>>>>>>>>>>>>
The animations start a few seconds after you open the window and play automatically. NOTE:
The text of every chat is available for review at the end of the animation >>>>>>>>>>>>>
1. We can't use Past Simple to ask a living person about their whole life experience:
Did you ever go to Greece in your life?
Incorrect because it Implies that you are DEAD
Did Elvis ever go to Greece in his life?
Correct: Elvis died in 1977. Nothing about his life is present Past Simple refers to past, finished time.
2. Past Simple requires you specify What (the verb) & When (the time frame), so this is what happens if you try to use Past Simple to ask someone if they have an experience on their life's CV e.g. Go to Greece?
Did you go to Greece last year?Did you go to Greece 2 years ago? Did you go to Greece 3 years ago? Did you go to Greece 4 years ago? Did you go to Greece 5 years ago? Did you go to Greece 6 years ago? etc
So use Present Perfect, because Present Perfect is interested in WHAT not WHEN Have you (ever) been to Greece?
No, I didn't.No, I didn't. No, I didn't. No, I didn't. No, I didn't. No, I didn't.
I've gone fishing/shopping etc is usually used as a written or voice note to explain where you are now
FOCUS: BEEN or GONE?
BEEN is the past participle of 'BE' and means 'go & return' whereas GONE is the past participle of 'GO' and means only 'go'
I want to go fishing. I need to go shopping. I 'd like to go skiing. I have to go to work today.
There are many verb phrases that use 'GO + ING' or 'GO + TO' as the infinitive, but often become 'BEEN + ING' or 'BEEN + TO' in Present Perfect: Compare:
I've been to the cinema = I went to the cinema and then left the cinema i.e. I was at the cinema, but I'm not there now
I've gone to the cinema = I went to the cinema & I am still at the cinema now
Have you ever been fishing? I've been shopping today. (= I went shopping today, but I'm not shopping now) I've been skiing twice. ( = I went skiing in the past, but I'm not skiing now) I've been to work today. (= I was at work, but I'm not there now)
I've gone fishing. (I went fishing & am still fishing now) I've gone shopping. (I went to the shops and am still there) I've gone skiing. (I went skiing and am still skiing now) I've gone to work. (I went to work and am still at work)
Infinitives
Go becomes 'been'
Go becomes 'gone'
Sign on a shop door to explain why the shop is shut
Voice note explaining where someone is
WORKSHEETDOWNLOAD
Read through these typical 'Recruiter' questions and think about how you would answer them using Present Perfect.
When you have reflected and maybe written down some ways you would answer these questions, click the button to open a downloadable sample of candidate answers
Download
CONNECTED SPEECH in ENGLISH
When mother tongue speakers talk, they do not pronounce each individual word in isolation. They connect sounds together. Connected speech in English refers to the natural way words are PRONOUNCED TOGETHER in a sentence, often involving reductions in the LENGTH of VOWELS (the letters A, E, I, O and U are vowels, but there are many other vowel sounds)
THEORY
Audio
When using Present Perfect, the auxilliary verb HAVE is often pronounced with a short vowel sound . The short vowel used is called schwa and it sounds like this:
The auxilliary verb HAVE , when mother tongue speakers are talking normally, has 2 distinct sounds: 1) /həv/ 2) /əv/ (often the /h/ is dropped in connected speech) The third person sounds like 1) /həz/ or 2) /əz/ The auxilliary verb HAVE can also be pronounced like the main verb HAVE, i.e. /hæv/ . However this is unusual in connected speech because it communicates emphasis. Finally, in connected speech, 1) The past participle BEEN is often pronounced with a short vowel sound, /I/ not /I:/, and so been sounds like 'bin' 2) The subject 'YOU' is often shortened to /jə/ 3) The preposition 'TO' is often shortened to /tə/
Audio
Audio
Audio
Now, listen to some sentences and try to mimic the sound & rhythm. You hear each twice. The first is slower, the second normal native speed
PRACTICE
1) Have you ever been to Africa?
4) She has never been to Rome.
2) I have never seen a ghost.
5) I have been to America, but I have never been to Canada
3) Have you been to Rome many times?
6) Has she ever been to France?
Now do the practice exercises on the site
Come back soon to review & consolidate.
FOLLOW THE DIALOGUE.
Now, close the window
Hey Frank, ever read 'One Hundred Years of Solitude'?
No, never.
I've read it a couple of times, but I haven't seen the tv adaption that came out in April 2024
What's stopping you?
I can understand that. Films and series are often such a disappointment if you have read the book.
I don't want the tv series to ruin my memory of the book!
What's stopping you?: An expression that means 'explain to me why you don't do or haven't done something' Jane says: 'I'd like another slice of cake, but...' Jim asks: 'What's stopping you?' Jane replies: 'I'm on a diet!' & Jane says: 'I haven't had a holiday recently, but I'd like to!' Jim asks: 'What's stopping you from having one?' Jane replies: 'I can't take time off from work at the moment, that's what's stopping me!'
Lexical Note:
I can understand that. Films and series are often such a disappointment if you have read the book.
I've read it a couple of times, but I haven't seen the tv adaption that came out in April 2024
What's stopping you?
Hey Frank, ever read 'One Hundred Years of Solitude'?
No, never.
I don't want the tv series to ruin my memory of the book!
WORKSHEETDOWNLOAD
FOLLOW THE DIALOGUE.
Now, close the window
Well, I think being a System Analyst was the most stimulating role I have ever had.
I see from your CV that you have covered many roles in IT. Can you tell me which you found most stimulating?
Really? Why's that?
It gave me an overview of how different IT systems work together. No other role has given me so many absolutely fundamental and unique insights.
It gave me an overview of how different IT systems work together. No other role has given me so many absolutely fundamental and unique insights.
I see from your CV that you have covered many roles in IT. Can you tell me which you found most stimulating?
Well, I think being a System Analyst was the most stimulating role I have ever had.
Really? Why's that?
Wow! This is the most amazing experience I have ever had...
He's so absolutely gorgeous, I've never been so deeply in love!
How disappointing! I've never caught such a tiny fish before.
Eureka! It works!! This is the most important discovery anyone has ever made!!!
I'm absolutley exhausted! I've never ridden so far before!!
I'm the Greatest Of All Time! Noboday has ever won more than me!!
Hi Maria, I went to that restaurant you recommended. You were right, the place is fantastic and the food was some of the tastiest I've ever had. The tiramisu was absolutely delicious, I've never had better. See you soon.
Now, close the window
FOLLOW THE ANIMATIONS.
Eureka! It works!! This is the most important discovery anyone has ever made!!!
Wow! This is the most amazing experience I have ever had...
He's so absolutely gorgeous, I've never been so deeply in love!
How disappointing! I've never caught such a tiny fish before.
Hi Maria, I went to that restaurant you recommended. You were right, the place is fantastic and the food was some of the tastiest I've ever had. The tiramisu was absolutely delicious, I've never had better. See you soon.
I'm absolutley exhausted! I've never ridden so far before!!
I'm the Greatest Of All Time! Noboday has ever won more than me!!
Adjectives exist in many groups, but 2 important groups are:
We use different modifiers and Intensifiers with Extreme adjectives:
Here are some Standard adjectives with their Extreme alternatives:
WORKSHEETDOWNLOAD
I see from your CV that you HAVE BEEN to Oxford. That's a very difficult university to get in to, isn't it?
The interviewer said:
The interviewer has the CV and so can read the dates - the candidate knows this and so doesn't need to specify exactly when she studied at Oxford - it's enough to confirm that she 'has studied there' (Present Perfect for Life Experience). The candidate then used Past Perfect (thanks to grades I had earned at school) to correctly position this experience BEFORE Oxford.
That's right, I HAVE STUDIED at Oxford and, yes, it's quite selective, but thanks to the grades I HAD RECEIVED at school, I managed to get in.
The candidate replied:
The candidate used Present Perfect for Life Experience to list her skills
I've programmed in PYTHON I have made web pages in HTML5. I've matured a proficiency level I have used the MS Office suite. I have managed 25 projects I have gained valuable experience in teamwork. I have lived and worked in Germany I have also gained experience in French
NOTE: The candidate uses Present Simple to add her current job to the list of jobs 'she has had'
The interviewer said:
The interviewer used Present Perfect for life experience
I see that you HAVE HELD various positions. Take me through them, please.
The candidate REPLIED: (paraphrased)
I'VE BEEN a Special Political Advisor I HAVE also HELD three roles in Project Management. I HAVE BEEN a junior PM, I HAVE BEEN a senior PM I HAVE WORKED on government projects. And now I'm a Project Director
The candidate used Present Perfect to make a list of work experience,i.e. jobs she has had
The candidate said: (paraphrased)
TALKING ABOUT SKILLS
TALKING ABOUT WORK EXPERIENCE
TALKING ABOUT EDUCATION
Note: The dates on the sample CV are present, but deliberately illegible.
Click the buttons to see how we can talk about the CV without using any dates. Then click 'FOCUS'.
Sample CV
That's right, I have studied at Oxford and, yes, it's quite selective, but thanks to the grades I had earned at school, I managed to get in.
I see from your CV that you have been to Oxford. That's a very difficult university to get in to, isn't it?
The Interviewer Asks...
The Candidate Replies...
The Interviewer Asks...
The Candidate Replies...
I see that you have held various positions. Take me through them, please.
With pleasure! Well, I've been a Special Political Advisor to an MP. That was my first role after graduating from Oxford. I have also held three roles in Project Management. I have been a junior PM, I have been a senior PM and now I'm a Project Director. I have also worked abroad in this field, in Germany. Oh, and I've worked on government projects. That was after leaving the Political Advisor role.
VARIOUS
POSITIONS
OK, yes, well...I've programmed in PYTHON and have made web pages in HTML5. I think I've matured a proficiency level in those skills. I have used, and am expert in, the MS Office suite. So, that's IT. In Project Management I have managed 25 projects which means I have gained valuable experience in teamwork. My other salient skills are in languages. I have lived and worked in Germany so I'm proficient in that language. I have also gained experience in French through my husband. He's French!
FOCUS
The Candidate Replies...
The Interviewer Asks...
Let's move on to your skills. Would you give me an overview in a nutshell?
Lexis: In a nutshell = explain without too many details; Just give the basics.
Read through these typical 'Recruiter' questions and think about how you would answer them using Present Perfect.
When you have reflected and maybe written down some ways you would answer these questions, click the button to open a downloadable sample of candidate answers
Download
THEORY
CONNECTED SPEECH in ENGLISH
When mother tongue speakers talk, they do not pronounce each individual word in isolation. They connect sounds together. Connected speech in English refers to the natural way words are PRONOUNCED TOGETHER in a sentence, often involving reductions in the LENGTH of VOWELS (the letters A, E, I, O and U are vowels, but there are many other vowel sounds)
Audio
When using Present Perfect, the auxilliary verb HAVE is often pronounced with a short vowel sound . The short vowel used is called schwa and it sounds like this:
The auxilliary verb HAVE , when mother tongue speakers are talking normally, has 2 distinct sounds: 1) /həv/ 2) /əv/ (often the /h/ is dropped in connected speech) The third person sounds like 1) /həz/ or 2) /əz/ The auxilliary verb HAVE can also be pronounced like the main verb HAVE, i.e. /hæv/ . However this is unusual in connected speech because it communicates emphasis. Finally, in connected speech, 1) The past participle BEEN is often pronounced with a short vowel sound, /I/ not /I:/, and so been sounds like 'bin' 2) The subject 'YOU' is often shortened to /jə/ 3) The preposition 'TO' is often shortened to /tə/
Audio
Audio
PRACTICE
Audio
Now, listen to some sentences and try to mimic the sound & rhythm. You hear each twice. The first is slower, the second normal native speed
1) Have you ever been to Africa?
4) She has never been to Rome.
2) I have never seen a ghost.
5) I have been to America, but I have never been to Canada
3) Have you been to Rome many times?
6) Has she ever been to France?
I've gone fishing/shopping etc is usually used as a written or voice note to explain where you are now
FOCUS: BEEN or GONE?
BEEN is the past participle of 'BE' and means 'go & return' whereas GONE is the past participle of 'GO' and means only 'go'
I want to go fishing. I need to go shopping. I 'd like to go skiing. I have to go to work today.
There are many verb phrases that use 'GO + ING' or 'GO + TO' as the infinitive, but often become 'BEEN + ING' or 'BEEN + TO' in Present Perfect: Compare:
I've been to the cinema = I went to the cinema and then left the cinema i.e. I was at the cinema, but I'm not there now
I've gone to the cinema = I went to the cinema & I am still at the cinema now
Have you ever been fishing? I've been shopping today. (= I went shopping today, but I'm not shopping now) I've been skiing twice. ( = I went skiing in the past, but I'm not skiing now) I've been to work today. (= I was at work, but I'm not there now)
I've gone fishing. (I went fishing & am still fishing now) I've gone shopping. (I went to the shops and am still there) I've gone skiing. (I went skiing and am still skiing now) I've gone to work. (I went to work and am still at work)
Infinitives
Go becomes 'been'
Go becomes 'gone'
Sign on a shop door to explain why the shop is shut
Voice note explaining where someone is
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FOLLOW THE DIALOGUE.
Sure, what's on?
Hi Frank, I've got some free tickets to the cinema. Wanna come with me tonight?
Now, close the window
Well, I haven't seen Avengers parts 1 to 7 yet, so perhaps part 8 isn't a good idea, but I've already seen The Fly part 3. Is there nothing else?
'Avengers part 8' and 'The Fly part 3'
Well, there is a late showing of the old classic 'Down by Law'. I've never seen it, have you?
I've seen it at least 5 times, but I love it! Let's see that!
Wanna...? a colloquial, informal way of inviting/offering
Notes
Down By Law - Directed by Jim Jarmusch (1986)
Well, I haven't seen Avengers parts 1 to 7 yet, so perhaps part 8 isn't a good idea, but I've already seen The Fly part 3. Is there nothing else?
Sure, what's on?
I've seen it at least 5 times, but I love it! Let's see that!
Well, there is a late showing of the old classic 'Down by Law'. I've never seen it, have you?
Hi Frank, I've got some free tickets to the cinema. Wanna come with me tonight?
'Avengers part 8' and 'The Fly part 3'
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Adjectives exist in many groups, but 2 important groups are:
We use different modifiers and Intensifiers with Extreme adjectives:
Here are some Standard adjectives with their Extreme alternatives:
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The CV of our Life
Curricula vitae (plural) or Curriculum Vitae (singular), commonly shortened to CVs & CV, are usually assoiciated with looking for a job.
- We send our CV to a potential employer.
But did you know that Curriculum Vitae (from Latin) actually means 'in the course of one's life. So, in the course of our lives we all accumulate a mental Curricula Vitae, or list, of the things we have and haven't done: e.g.The Bucket List
A bucket list is a list of the experiences or achievements that a person hopes to accomplish during their lifetime. It derives from the idiom "to kick the bucket" which means "to die". So the bucket list is your personal list of things you want to experience in your lifetime, or before you die. What's on your bucket list? Do you want to swim with dolphins? Maybe you want to write a novel! How about going parachuting? Perhaps you yearn to star in a film!
Focus on learning some of the vocabulary
Have a look at these questions and the focus areas. How would you answer them?
Reveal model answers
A4 CREATIONS © 2024 by JONATHAN BOYDELL is licensed under Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International
FOLLOW THE DIALOGUE.
close the window when you are ready
No, I haven't.
Have you ever seen 'Jaws' the movie?
No, I have never seen that either.
Well, have you ever seen 'Star Wars'?
No, I haven't ever watched any old films!
What about 'Back to the Future'? Have you ever seen that?
Ah, so you've never seen 'Ghostbusters' then?
Actually, I have seen that! It's a classic!
Actually, I have seen that! It's a classic!
No, I haven't.
No, I have never seen that either.
No, I haven't ever watched any old films!
Have you ever seen 'Jaws' the movie?
What about 'Back to the Future'? Have you ever seen that?
Well, have you ever seen 'Star Wars'?
Ah, so you've never seen 'Ghostbusters' then?
FOLLOW THE DIALOGUE.
Chios? Yes, I've been there 3 times actually.
Hi Frank, I'm planning a holiday to Chios, the greek island. Have you ever been there?
Now, close the window
Well, I last went there 10 years ago, so maybe the places to stay have changed, but I can tell you all about the main sights and beaches
Great, you can tell me where to stay and what to see then!
When did you go for the first time?
I first went when I was a student
Well, I last went there 10 years ago, so maybe the places to stay have changed, but I can tell you all about the main sights and beaches
I first went when I was a student
Hi Frank, I'm planning a holiday to Chios, the greek island. Have you ever been there?
When did you go for the first time?
Great, you can tell me where to stay and what to see then!
Chios? Yes, I've been there 3 times actually.
1. Use SO before adjectives & adverbs to add emphasis. e.g. it was so hot He spoke so quickly We often follow on with a 'that + subject verb' expression: e.g. It was so hot that I couldn't sleep (i.e. I couldn't sleep because it was so hot) You speak so quickly that I can't understand you (i.e. I can't understand you because you speak so quickly)
1 Use SUCH before a noun phrase (i.e. an adjective/modifier plus noun) e.g. such nice people (plural noun) such a big dog (singular countabale noun) such lovely weather (uncountable noun)
BE CAREFUL! Don't say 'it was such big dog' If you use a singular countable noun, you must say such a lovely day - such a good doggy - such a tasty meal
2. We also use SO with plural countable and uncountable nouns to emphasize quantity so many people (people is a plural countable so much money (money is an uncountable noun) If we are emphasising a verb, we use so much. e.g. work so much - eat so much - spend so much
2. The quantity expression 'a lot of' is commonly used with SUCH and both countable and uncountable nouns e.g. such a lot of people (= so many people) such a lot of money (= so much money)
3. Present Perfect for experience with Never - Rarely - Seldom I've never experienced such hot weather I've never been in such a fast car I've rarely seen such an angry man I've seldom eaten such a big dinner I've never seen such a big crowd of people I've never spent such a lot of money
3. Present Perfect for experience with Never - Rarely - Seldom I've never felt so hot I've never driven so quickly/fast I've rarely been so angry I've seldom eaten so much I've never seen so many people I've never spent so much money
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1. Use SO before adjectives & adverbs to add emphasis. e.g. it was so hot He spoke so quickly We often follow on with a 'that + subject verb' expression: e.g. It was so hot that I couldn't sleep (i.e. I couldn't sleep because it was so hot) You speak so quickly that I can't understand you (i.e. I can't understand you because you speak so quickly)
1 Use SUCH before a noun phrase (i.e. an adjective/modifier plus noun) e.g. such nice people (plural noun) such a big dog (singular countabale noun) such lovely weather (uncountable noun)
BE CAREFUL! Don't say 'it was such big dog' If you use a singular countable noun, you must say such a lovely day - such a good doggy - such a tasty meal
2. We also use SO with plural countable and uncountable nouns to emphasize quantity so many people (people is a plural countable so much money (money is an uncountable noun) If we are emphasising a verb, we use so much. e.g. work so much - eat so much - spend so much
2. The quantity expression 'a lot of' is commonly used with SUCH and both countable and uncountable nouns e.g. such a lot of people (= so many people) such a lot of money (= so much money)
3. Present Perfect for experience with Never - Rarely - Seldom I've never experienced such hot weather I've never been in such a fast car I've rarely seen such an angry man I've seldom eaten such a big dinner I've never seen such a big crowd of people I've never spent such a lot of money
3. Present Perfect for experience with Never - Rarely - Seldom I've never felt so hot I've never driven so quickly/fast I've rarely been so angry I've seldom eaten so much I've never seen so many people I've never spent so much money
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