The present perfect tense

Why is it so difficult to grasp the concept of the present perfect tense?

My guess is that many of us try to translate it literally and do not realize that, for us Portuguese speakers, it can refer to both the past and the present.

What do you mean by the past and the present?

Well, take a look at some examples. And let’s analyze the following: Intention, focus, where we stand in relation to time.

He has been married for two years.  

• Intention / focus – duration
• relation to time – Present (He is married)
• Why this tense? – The intention is to announce duration of a past event that is still true in the present.  

I have sold my car. (past)

• Intention – announcement
• Focus – action (verb)
• Relation to time – Past (the car is sold)
• Why this tense? – The intention is to announce a past action. This news is relevant to the listener and the speaker at the present moment. The focus is on the action/verb and not the time. The correlation between the past and the present is expressed by the importance of the news and not the action which is already in the past.

Of course, there are many other uses of the Tense. The examples given only explain its main concept. So, if you wish to discuss any further please comment and I’ll be glad to reply.

Check out the Videos on the subject.

See ya.

Will Teach