the present perfect

noun

grammar
: a verb tense that is used to refer to an action that began in the past and is completed at the time of speaking

Note: The present perfect in English is formed with "has" and "have" and the past participle of a verb, as in "He has left," and "They have found what they were looking for."

Dictionary Entries Near the present perfect

Cite this Entry

“The present perfect.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/the%20present%20perfect. Accessed 2 Dec. 2024.

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