1.3 THE PERFECT TENSES

Form : Have + Past Participle

Meaning: The perfect tenses all give the idea that one thing happens before another time or event.

A.  PRESENT PERFECT

Example:

Tom has already eaten

          Meaning:

          Tom finished eating sometime before now. The exact time is not important.

B.   PAST PERFECT

Example:

Tom had already eaten when his friend arrived.

Meaning:

First Tom Finished eating. Later his friend arrived. Tom’s eating was completely finished before another time in the past.

C.   FUTURE PERFECT

Example:

Tom will already have eaten when his friend arrives.

Meaning:

First Tom will finish eating. Later his friend will arrive. Tom’s eating will be completely finished before another time in the future.

EXERCISE 5: The perfect tenses (Chart 1-3)

Directions: Answer the questions.

1.    Have you eaten today? When did you eat?

2.    Had you eaten before you went to bed last night?

3.    Will you have eaten by the time you go to bed tonight?

READ MORE 1.4  THE PERFECT PROGRESSIVE TENSES