tense with the time expressions once/twice/three times...

F Actions occurring in an incomplete period might be indicated by today or this morning /afternoon/evening/week/month/year/century or all day/night/week, all the time, always etc.

Tom has rung up three times this morning.(Now it is still in the morning.)

Tom rang up three times this morning.(Now it is not still in the morning.)

Complete the following sentences with the proper tense.

A We have studied (study) English for about five years.

B They have lived (live) in the south since their daughter was born.

C I have read (read) your article three times. It's well written.

D The student has finished (finish) her homework already.

E Eric has gone (go) back to his hometown today.

F The police have just finished (finish)searching the area.

4 Compare the simple past tense and the present perfect tense

Look at the following sentences and point out what tense or tenses are used in them and the reasons why they are used.

A We have studied English for about five years. We began to study it five years ago .

B They moved to the south in 1990 and have lived there since then.

C Eric left home last year and has just come back.

E Justin has been away from home for several days. He disappeared last Friday.

F They bought this house three years ago and they have lived here since then.

G my brother went to see my grandpa last week. He has visited him three times this month.

Complete the following sentences :

a 'Have you seen my pen?' 'Yes, I saw it on your desk just now.'

b 'Have you had dinner?' 'Yes, I had it with Mary.'

C Has the postman come yet/this morning?

D Did the postman come this morning?

E I have known him for a long time.

F Hello! I didn't know you were here in Nanjing. How long have you been here?