#83 - Present Perfect Tense with Ever, Never, Already, and Yet - English Grammar

Present perfect tense is used to express that an action happened in the past, has recently been completed, or is continuing into the present. It implies an unspecified time. You cannot use the present perfect with a specific time expression or time frame. You can use the present perfect with unspecific time adverbs such as "ever", "never", "already", and "yet".

Present Perfect Tense with Ever

"Ever" means at any time. It is often used in interrogative sentences. It can also be used in negative sentences with "nobody has ever". It is always placed before the main verb or past participle.

Have you ever eaten a bug?
Have you ever been to Disneyland?
Have you ever failed a test?
Nobody has ever asked me that question.
Nobody has ever called me that.
Nobody has ever passed his test.

Present Perfect Tense with Never

"Never" means at no time in the past or future, not ever. It is always placed before the main verb or past participle.

I have never eaten a bug.
I have never been to Disneyland.
I have never failed a test.

Present Perfect Tense with Already

"Already" means sooner than a specified or planned time. It can be used in statements or interrogative sentences. It can be placed before the main verb or past participle or at the end of a sentence.

I have already read the newspaper article.
I have already seen the movie.
He has finished his homework already.
Have you already read the newspaper article?
Have you already seen the movie?
Has he finished his homework already?

Present Perfect Tense with Yet

"Yet" means up to the present time. It is used to suggest that something has not happened by a specific time. It can be used in interrogative or negative sentences. It is usually placed at the end of a sentence.

I haven't finished my homework yet.
He hasn't visited his parents yet.
The guests haven't arrived yet.
Have you finished your homework yet?
Has he visited his parents yet?
Have the guests arrived yet?