How to use the present perfect simple - 'for' or 'since'

74,289 views ・ 2022-02-18

Learn English with Cambridge


Please double-click on the English subtitles below to play the video.

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Hi guys. My name is Jiri.
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There are many challenges we language learners have
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to face when studying English grammar.
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Today, we’ll look a tense which many of us struggle with,
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the present perfect simple.
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This is the second video in a series.
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You can also watch part one by clicking on the link in the description below.
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But before I begin, don't forget to like
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the video and subscribe to the channel.
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That’s a great picture.
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How long have you been in a band? I've been in a band...
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I've been in a band for four years. Wow.
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Hey, James.
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I know this one.
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How long have you known James? I've known James...
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I've known James since 2011. Wow.
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Have a look at this sentence again. Do we know when I joined the band?
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Yes, four years ago.
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Does this sentence imply that I am in the band now?
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Am I still in the band? Yes, I am.
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He is.
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We use the present perfect simple to talk about unfinished actions
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and states that started in the past and continue until now.
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We've been good friends since high school.
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We use how long and present perfect simple to ask about
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a period which continues until now.
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How long have you had this t-shirt? I think you’ve had it for a long time.
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Use for for a period of time. I've known my partner for my whole life.
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I've known my partner for two years.
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I've known my partner for five minutes.
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Use since for a specific point in time.
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I've lived on my own since 2015.
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I've lived on my own since I was 19.
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I've lived on my own since today. Just joking.
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Mom, I'm coming home.
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In this game, your task is to describe what you see by using for or since.
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How long have you had that hairstyle?
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I've had this hairstyle for five years.
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How long have you been awake?
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I've been awake since early morning.
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How long have you studied English?
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I've studied English for a very long time.
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Mastering the present perfect simple can help
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you become a more confident speaker and writer of English.
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It can also help you achieve a better score
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in the B1 Preliminary or B2 First for Schools exams.
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Do you find our videos useful? Write to me in the comments below.
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Thank you and see you next time. Bye.
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