The present perfect is generally not introduced to learners until the A2 level, and A2 learners are able to demonstrate an impressive ability to use this form accurately and effectively. Learners can, for example, use the affirmative form with pronouns I and we to talk about experiences up to now.
We have visited the Coliseum and several museums. (Cambridge English: Key for Schools; Armenian)
I have seen the Eiffel Tower and many old buildings. (Cambridge English: Key; Turkish)
I like Japanese people and I’ve been to Japan more than three times. (Cambridge English: Key; Chinese)
The negative form is also used at the A2 level. However, where the affirmative is used with the first person singular and plural pronouns, the negative form is used mostly with I.
You know I haven’t been to France before. (Skills for Life: Entry 2; Hungarian)
I have not seen you in so long. (Cambridge English: Key; Portuguese-Brazil).
I have not found my English book. (Cambridge English: Key; Czech)
For is frequently seen with the negative form when learners talk about a past event or action which hasn’t occurred again in the period of time up to now. It is interesting to note that although for and since are usually taught together, since does not appear until the B1 level (usually with been).
I’m sorry I haven’t written for so long. (Cambridge English: Key; Greek)
I haven’t seen you for a long time. (Skills for Life: Entry 2; Hungarian)
I haven’t seen you for ages. (Cambridge English: Key; Russian)
Learners at this level are also able to use the negative form with yet to talk about events which are expected to be completed at some point in the future.
[talking about a new mobile phone] I haven’t seen it yet. (Cambridge English: Key; Greek)
[talking about a book] It’s very important because I haven’t finished it yet. (Cambridge English: Key; Nepali)
I haven’t seen this film yet. (Cambridge English: Key; Estonian)
A2 level learners can also competently use the interrogative form.
Have you bought anything? (Cambridge English: Key; Italian)
Have you ever eaten Korean food? (Cambridge English: Key; Korean)
Have you read it? (Cambridge English: Key; Spanish-European)
Wh- questions with the present perfect simple are also competently formed by A2 learners.
Hi Jools. How have you been? (Cambridge English: Key; Japanese)
Where have you been? (Cambridge English: Key; Spanish - Latin American)
What have you bought? (Cambridge English: Key; Turkish)
A limited range of adverbs is also present in the work of A2 learners (in the normal mid position).
I have never seen a competition like that before, and I love it. (Cambridge English: Key; Portuguese)
After the film, we should go to "The Golden Pagoda" because I’ve never been there. (Cambridge English: Key; Burmese)
I have just seen your notice. (Cambridge English: Key; Chinese)
The A2 level sees learners use the present perfect simple to relate personal experiences in affirmative and negative statements. Learners also prove capable of asking questions using the present perfect simple. A limited range of prepositions and adverbs are also used at this level, the range of which expands significantly at B1.
