 Present perfect tense. Present perfect tense can be used in three situations. 1. To indicate something that has happened at an indefinite time in the past. I have seen that movie already. She has left for California. They have not eaten their dinner yet. 2. To indicate something which started in the past and continues until now. I have lived in New York for nine years. We have been here since Friday. He has played football since he was a child. 3. To indicate something which occurred recently. I have been sick lately. She hasn't slept much recently. 4. Notes. When speaking about a specific time, use past tense. I have seen that movie already. Oh really? When did you see it? I saw it last week with Bob. Some words should not be used in situation too. Sometimes, but not always, present perfects continuous can be used instead of present perfect. I have lived there for ten years. I have been living there for ten years. I have exercised a lot recently. I have been exercising a lot recently. I have seen that movie ten times.