•  

  I have seen that movie already.

  She has left for California.

  They have not eaten their dinner yet.

   

  I have lived in New York for nine years.

  We have been here since Friday.

  He has played football since he was a child.

   

  I have been sick lately.

  She hasn’t slept much recently.

1. To indicate something that has happened at an indefinite time in the past.

 

2. To indicate something which started in the past and continues until now.

 

3. To indicate something which occurred recently.

 

Notes:

•  

  A: I have seen that movie already. B: Oh really? When did you see it? A: I saw it last week with Bob.

  (Non-specific time) (Specific time)

  I have met John for five years. I have known John for five years. I met John five years ago. I have met John already.

  (INCORRECT) (CORRECT) (CORRECT) (CORRECT)

  I have lived there for ten years. I have been living there for ten years. I have exercised a lot recently. I have been exercising a lot recently. I have seen that movie ten times. I have been seeing that movie ten times.

  (Okay) (Okay) (Okay) (Okay) (Okay) (NOT Okay)

When speaking about a specific time, use past tense.

 

Some words should not be used in situation 2 (above)

 

Sometimes, but not always, present perfect continuous can be used instead of present perfect.