Theory & Exercises for Rewriting Sentences in the Present Perfect Tense

Exercises for rewriting sentences in the present perfect tense are one of the common types of English tasks that appear in many exams. In today's article, PREP will guide you through the theory and knowledge of how to rewrite sentences in the present perfect tense, along with detailed practice exercises. Let's take a look!

I. Overview of the Theory of the Present Perfect Tense

Before doing exercises for rewriting sentences in the present perfect tense, let's review the theoretical knowledge about the present perfect tense!

1. Structure of the Present Perfect Tense

Note: The formation of the verb in the past participle needs to be accurate:

Regular verbs: add -ed to the base form of the verb. For example:

• walk → walked

• play → played

• watch → watched

• love → loved

Irregular verbs: use the third column (V3 - past participle) from the list of irregular verbs. For example:

• go → gone

• eat → eaten

• take → taken

• write → written

2. Usage of the Present Perfect Tense

In terms of usage, the present perfect tense is used to express actions in the following situations:

2.1. Actions That Have Just Occurred

The present perfect tense is used to describe actions that have just happened immediately before the moment of speaking.

Examples: 

• She has just finished her presentation. 

• We have just arrived at the airport. 

• They have just announced the winner of the competition. 

2.2. Actions That Happened in the Past Without Specific Time

The present perfect tense is used to talk about actions that occurred in the past when we do not know the exact time or do not want to mention the specific time the action took place.

Examples: 

• She has traveled to many countries. 

• We have studied French. 

• They have read that book. 

Notes: 

If you want to refer to the time of an action, you must use the past simple tense. For example:

• We won several awards two years ago. 

• They graduated from university in 2010. 

• I met her at the party last night. 

However, the present perfect tense can be used with time adverbs (when the time is ongoing and has not yet concluded): today, this week, this month, this year.... For example:

• I've already eaten lunch today. 

• They have received several phone calls this week. 

• She has finished two assignments this month. 

2.3. Actions That Have Occurred Multiple Times in the Past

The present perfect tense is used to describe actions that have occurred multiple times in the past, and these actions may continue to repeat in the present or future.

Examples:

• John really loves Japan. John has traveled to Japan multiple times. ➡ John may continue to travel to Japan.

• Sara likes the main characters in that book. Sara has read that book five times. ➡ Sara may continue to reread that book.

• The food of the restaurant is delicious. We have eaten at that restaurant on numerous occasions. ➡ We may continue to go to that restaurant on other occasions.

Note: Note: If it is not related to the present (the event happened a long time ago or the action occurred multiple times in the past but is no longer ongoing in the present), we use the past simple tense. For example:

• Da Vinci painted the Mona Lisa. 

• Mozart composed over 600 pieces of music. 

• The ancient Egyptians built the pyramids. 

2.4. Actions That Happened in the Past but Still Have Present Results

Additionally, the present perfect tense is used to describe actions that occurred in the past but whose results still exist in the present.

Examples:

• We have finished the project. ➡ So now we are not working on that project anymore and can start a new one.

• He has eaten too much cake. ➡ So now he feels full and cannot eat anymore.

• I have finished my homework. ➡ So now I can rest or do other work.

Note: If there are no longer present results of the action, we use the past simple tense. For example: 

• They had a great vacation in Hawaii. ➡ But now they have returned.

• We visited Paris in 2019. ➡ But now we are not in Paris anymore.

• He played football when he was younger. ➡ But now he no longer plays football.

2.5. Actions That Occurred in the Past and Continue in the Present and Future

Finally, the present perfect tense describes actions that started in the past, continue to the present, and may continue into the future. This usage is often combined with adverbs such as up to now, up to the present, so far, or prepositions like for and since.

Examples:

• They have been friends since childhood. ➡ They are still friends in the present.

• Jenny has worked at this company for five years. ➡ Jenny is still working at that company.

• We have known each other for a long time. ➡ They continue to maintain their relationship.

3. Common Words and Phrases Used in the Present Perfect Tense

To recognize the present perfect tense, you should pay attention to the words and phrases that often appear, such as:

• Just = Lately = Recently

• Already

• Before

• Yet

• Ever

• Never

• So far = Up to now = Up to present = Until now

• For + khoảng thời gian

• Since + khoảng thời gian

• It/ this/ that is the first/ second/ best/ worst…

Examples:

• Have you already eaten dinner?

• They haven't visited that museum yet.

• Have you ever been to Paris?

• We have never seen such a beautiful sunset before.

• He has worked in this company for five years.

• They have known each other since high school.

• This is the first time I have tried sushi.

II. Structures for Rewriting Sentences in the Present Perfect Tense

After reviewing the theory of the present perfect tense, let’s explore the structures needed to apply in exercises for rewriting sentences in the present perfect tense!

1. Structure Type 1

Original structure: S + has/have + not + past participle (V3-ed) + O + for + period of time.

Rewritten structure: It + is/has been + period of time + since + S + last + V2-ed + O

Examples:

• They haven't finished the project for three weeks.

➡ It is/has been three weeks since they last finished the project. 

• I haven't seen my best friend since last year. 

➡ It is/has been since last year since I last saw my best friend. 

• We haven't visited our grandparents for a long time. 

➡ It is/has been a long time since we last visited our grandparents. 

2. Structure Type 2

Original structure: S + has/have + not + past participle (V3-ed) + O + for/since + time.

Rewritten structure:

• The last time + S + V2-ed + was + time ago / simple past clause

• S + last + V2/ed + O + time ago / simple past clause

Examples:

• They have not traveled abroad for two years.
  ➡ The last time they traveled abroad was two years ago.
  ➡ They last traveled abroad two years ago. 

• He has not played tennis since last month.
  ➡ The last time he played tennis was last month.
  ➡ He last played tennis last month. 

• She has not seen that movie for a long time.
  ➡ The last time she saw that movie was a long time ago.
  ➡ She last saw that movie a long time ago. 

3. Structure Type 3

Original structure: S + has/have + not + past participle (V3-ed) + before.

Rewritten structure: It/This is the first time + S + has/have + past participle (V3-ed).

Examples:

• She has never sung in front of a large audience before.
  ➡ This is the first time she has sung in front of a large audience. 

• He has never tried skydiving before.
  ➡ This is the first time he has tried skydiving. 

• We have never seen a shooting star before.
  ➡ This is the first time we have seen a shooting star. 

4. Structure Type 4

Original structure: S + has/have + past participle (V3-ed) + for + period of time.

Rewritten structure: S + started/began + V-ing + period of time + ago / when + clause.

Examples:

• They have studied French for three years.
  ➡ They started studying French three years ago when they moved to France.

• She has played the piano for 10 years.
  ➡ She began playing the piano 10 years ago when she was just a child. 

• He has worked as a teacher for five years.
  ➡ He began working as a teacher five years ago after he graduated from university. 

5. Structure Type 5

Original structure: When did + S + V0 + …?

Rewritten structure: How long + have/has + S + past participle (V3-ed) + …?

Note: The main verb in the sentence can be changed when rewriting to fit the context.

Examples:

• When did they build this house?
  ➡ How long have they had this house? 

• When did she start working at that company?
  ➡ How long has she worked at that company? 

• When did he adopt that dog?
  ➡ How long has he had that dog? 

• When did they start studying abroad?
  ➡ How long have they studied abroad? 

III. Exercises for Rewriting Sentences in the Present Perfect Tense

Once you have a solid understanding of the general concepts of the present perfect tense and the types of exercises for rewriting sentences in the present perfect tense, let’s get started with some practice!

1. Exercise

Rewrite the following sentences using the present perfect tense:

1. We haven't visited our grandparents since last summer.
   → The last time ...

2. When did you eat sushi for the first time?
   → How long ...

3. Tom started working at the company two years ago.
   → Tom has ...

4. They haven't seen each other since they graduated from college.
   → The last time ...

5. How long has she lived in this city?
   → When ...

6. We haven't had a family gathering in over a year.
   → It's been ...

7. My sister bought a new car a month ago.
   → My sister has ...

8. When did they open the new shopping mall?
   → How long ...

9. I haven't played tennis since high school.
   → The last time ...

10. How long have you known your best friend?
    → When …

11. We have not heard from them since last week.
    ➡ We last …

12. We haven't seen our favorite movie since last year.
    → The last time ...

13. When did you start learning to play the guitar?
    → How long ...

14. Sarah started working at the new company three months ago.
    → Sarah has ...

15. They haven't visited their grandparents since they moved to a different city.
    → The last time ...

16. How long has he lived in this neighborhood?
    → When ...

17. We haven't traveled abroad in over five years.
    → It's been ...

18. My friend has bought a new computer recently.
    → My friend has ...

19. When did they open the new restaurant in town?
    → How long ...

20. I haven't read a book in a long time.
    → The last time ...

21. How long have you known your English teacher?
    → When …

22. They have not finished their homework for a while.
    ➡ They last …

23. We haven't seen each other since graduation day.
    → The last time ...

24. When did you visit Paris for the first time?
    → How long ...

25. They started living in the new house two weeks ago.
    → They have ...

26. I haven't spoken to my cousin since last month.
    → The last time ...

27. How long has he worked for that company?
    → When ...

28. We haven't eaten at that restaurant in years.
    → It's been ...

29. She bought a new phone last week.
    → She has ...

30. When did they release their latest album?
    → How long ...

31. I haven't been to the beach in ages.
    → The last time ...

32. How long have you studied Spanish?
    → When …

33. He has not visited his favorite museum since he moved to a different city.
    ➡ He last …

34. We haven't seen each other since last Christmas.
    → The last time ...

35. When did you go to Japan for the first time?
    → How long ...

36. Sarah started working at the new company six months ago.
    → Sarah has ...

37. They haven't traveled abroad since they got married.
    → The last time ...

38. How long has he been a member of the club?
    → When ...

39. We haven't had a vacation in years.
    → It's been ...

40. My friend has visited Paris twice this year.
    → My friend has ...

41. When did they launch their new product?
    → How long ...

42. I haven't seen that movie yet.
    → The last time ...

43. How long have you lived in this city?
    → When …

44. We have not seen a movie together since last summer.
    → We last …

45. How long have you been studying piano?
    → When...

46. They haven't been on a vacation since last year.
    → The last time...

47. This is the best movie I have ever watched.
    → I have...

48. He has just arrived at the airport.
    → It's...

49. I haven't seen my childhood friend since elementary school.
    → The last time...

50. It's the first time they have won the championship.
    → They...

2. Answer keys

1. The last time we visited our grandparents was last summer.

2. How long ago did you eat sushi for the first time?

3. Tom has been working at the company for two years.

4. The last time they saw each other was when they graduated from college.

5. When did she start living in this city?

6. It's been over a year since we had a family gathering.

7. My sister has bought a new car for a month.

8. How long ago did they open the new shopping mall?

9. The last time I played tennis was in high school.

10. When did you meet your best friend?

11. We last heard from them last week.

12. The last time we saw our favorite movie was last year.

13. How long ago did you start learning to play the guitar?

14. Sarah has been working at the new company for three months.

15. The last time they visited their grandparents was when they moved to a different city.

16. When did he start living in this neighborhood?

17. It's been over five years since we traveled abroad.

18. My friend has recently bought a new computer.

19. How long ago did they open the new restaurant in town?

20. The last time I read a book was a long time ago.

21. When did you meet your English teacher?

22. They last finished their homework a while ago.

23. The last time we saw each other was on graduation day.

24. How long ago did you visit Paris for the first time?

25. They have been living in the new house for two weeks.

26. The last time I spoke to my cousin was last month.

27. When did he start working for that company?

28. It's been years since we ate at that restaurant.

29. She has bought a new phone last week.

30. How long ago did they release their latest album?

31. The last time I went to the beach was ages ago.

32. When did you start studying Spanish?

33. He last visited his favorite museum before he moved to a different city.

34. The last time we saw each other was last Christmas.

35. How long ago did you go to Japan for the first time?

36. Sarah has been working at the new company for six months.

37. The last time they traveled abroad was when they got married.

38. When did he become a member of the club?

39. It's been years since we had a vacation.

40. My friend has visited Paris twice this year.

41. How long ago did they launch their new product?

42. The last time I saw that movie was not yet.

43. When did you start living in this city?

44. We last saw a movie together last summer.

45. When did you start studying piano?

46. The last time they went on a vacation was last year.

47. I have never watched a better movie.

48. It's only been a few minutes since he arrived at the airport.

49. The last time I saw my childhood friend was in elementary school.

50. They have won the championship for the first time.

The article above provides you with detailed information about the theory and how to rewrite sentences using the present perfect tense, as well as exercises for rewriting sentences in the present perfect tense along with detailed answers. Be sure to save it for effective exam preparation! Wishing you all success!