B1 · Present Perfect — Lesson

Present perfect: the B1 view

At B1, you deepen your control of the present perfect — particularly using for, since, and how long, and sharpening the contrast with past simple.

For + duration

I have lived here for five years. (a length of time)

Since + starting point

I have lived here since 2019. (when it began)

How long?

How long have you lived here? — For five years.

for vs since — the key distinction

for + period of time

for two years

for a long time

for ages

since + point in time

since 2018

since last Monday

since I was a child

Present perfect vs past simple: sharpened

Past simple

finished time signal: I lived in Paris in 2015. (no longer)

Present perfect

continuing situation: I have lived in Paris since 2015. (still now)

Past simple

I started this job two years ago. (past action)

Present perfect

I have had this job for two years. (duration to now)

If the situation is STILL TRUE NOW → present perfect. If it ended → past simple.

Present perfect simple vs continuous

The B1 distinction

Simple — completed

I have written three emails.

completed, countable result

She has finished the report.

Continuous — ongoing

I have been writing emails all morning.

activity in progress, duration

She has been working since 8am.

Common mistakes

I live here since 2019.

→

I have lived here since 2019.

"since" needs present perfect

I have worked here since two years.

→

I have worked here for two years.

duration → for, not since

How long do you live here?

→

How long have you lived here?

continuing situation → present perfect

I have seen him yesterday.

→

I saw him yesterday.

yesterday = finished time → past simple

Recap

for

duration: for 5 years / for ages

I have known her for years.

since

starting point: since 2020 / since Monday

I have lived here since 2020.

How long?

How long + have/has + S + PP?

How long have you worked here?

vs past simple

still true now → PP · ended → past simple

I have lived / I lived

Practice now →