The present perfect without a time adverbial

We often use the present perfect without a time adverbial, especially in conversation. We do not always need one, for often we are concerned with the consequences now of something which took place then, whether 'then' was very recently or a long time ago. If further details are required (e.g. precise answers to questions like When?, Where?) we must generally use the simple past: Have you passed your driving test? (Depending on context, this can mean 'at any time up to now' or 'after the test you've just taken'.)

- yes, / passed when I was 17 (simple past: exact time reference)
Jason Vilhers has been arrested (Depending on context, this can
imply 'today' or 'recently' or 'at last'.) He was seen by a Customs
Officer who alerted the police (simple past with details)
However, adverbs li ke just, used with the present perfect, can provide
more information about actions in 'unspecified time'. Details follow.

The present perfect for recent actions

The following adverbs can refer to actions, etc. in recent time:

- just [> 7.29]: I've just tidied up the kitchen

- recently, etc: He's recently arrived from New York

- already in questions and affirmative statements [> 7.26, 7.28]: Have you typed my letter already? - Yes, I've already typed it

- yet, in questions, for events we are expecting to hear about: Have you passed your driving test yet? [> 7.27-28] or in negatives, for things we haven't done, but expect to do: / haven't passed my driving test yet

- still [> 7. 25], at last, finally I still haven't passed my driving test (despite my efforts) / have passed my driving test at last (after all my efforts)

The present perfect for repeated and habitual actions

This use is associated with frequency adverbs (often, frequently) and expressions like three/four/several times [> 7.38-39]: I've watched him on TV several times (i.e. and I expect to again) I've often wondered why I get such a poor reception on my radio She's attended classes regularly She's always worked hard

Verbs, verb tenses, imperatives

The simple present perfect tense in typical contexts

The present perfect is never used in past narrative (e.g. stories told in the past, history books). Apart from its common use in conversation, it is most often used in broadcast news, newspapers, letters and any kind of language-use which has connexion with the present. Examples:

Broadcast reports, newspaper reports

Interest rates rose again today and the price of gold has fallen by $10 an ounce Industrial leaders have complained that high interest rates will make borrowing expensive for industry