This worksheet is designed to deepen your understanding of how to use "I have," "I have had," and "I have been" to express connections between your past experiences and present circumstances. Begin by reading each section's explanation carefully, focusing on how each aspect of the present perfect tense is used to describe possessions, past experiences, and ongoing activities. You are encouraged to fill in the blanks with personal details, reflecting on your own life as you complete the exercises. This includes engaging in creative tasks such as writing mini-stories or a letter to your future self, which will help you practice making these grammatical structures meaningful and relevant. After completing the exercises, take a moment to reflect on how these forms help convey your experiences and consider the accuracy and coherence of your sentences. By the end of this activity, you should feel more confident in using the present perfect tense to discuss your life’s achievements and current endeavors, enhancing both your written and spoken English.

Have in the present perfect tense:

The present perfect tense is used to describe actions or states that have a connection to the present.

• "I have" is the basic form, often indicating possession or the existence of something up to the present.

• "I have had" emphasizes a past action or state continuing to the present or its effects felt in the present.

• "I have been" indicates an ongoing action or state that began in the past and continues to the present, or it can express the completion of an action at an unspecified time before now.

Part 1: I have — Possessions and Skills

Explanation: Use "I have" to discuss possessions, skills, or ongoing experiences.

Example: "I have a driver's license."

Exercise: Imagine you're preparing a profile about yourself. List items, skills, or experiences you currently possess that you might include.

1. In my professional profile, I have _________.

2. In my hobbies, I have _________.

3. At home, I have _________.

Examples:

• I have expertise in digital marketing and social media strategy.

• I have a growing collection of rare comic books.

• I have a small garden where I grow herbs and vegetables.

Part 2: I have had — Memory Lane

Explanation: Use "I have had" to discuss past experiences, long-term possessions, or repeated events that are relevant today.

Example: "I have had three different addresses in the last five years."

Exercise: Write a mini-story or a journal entry using "I have had" about a memorable event or period in your life.

1. One of the most interesting jobs I have had was _________.

2. The best vacation I have had took place in _________.

3. A unique skill I have had since childhood is _________.

Examples:

• One of the most interesting jobs I have had was working as an underwater photographer for a marine conservation organization. I traveled to various exotic locations, diving into the depths of the sea to capture images that educated the public about the importance of ocean conservation.

• The best vacation I have had took place in Scotland. It was a two-week road trip across the Highlands and the Lowlands, exploring lush landscapes, historic cities, and engaging in activities like hiking in the Cairngorms and kayaking in Loch Lomond. The trip was not only a break from the mundane but a profound journey into the heart of Scotland's natural and cultural heritage.

• A unique skill I have had since childhood is the ability to solve Rubik's cubes incredibly fast. I learned this skill from my older cousin when I was seven, and since then, I've competed in numerous cubing competitions and even won a few at the national level. This skill has taught me patience, concentration, and problem-solving.

Part 3: I have been — The Ongoing Journey

Explanation: Use "I have been" to talk about actions or states that began in the past and are still continuing, or recently finished actions where the time isn't specified.

Example: "I have been learning English for two years."

Exercise: Pretend you are updating a close friend or family member about what's been happening in your life lately using "I have been."

1. Lately, I have been working on _________.

2. Recently, I have been feeling _________.

3. For the past month, I have been enjoying _________.

Examples:

• Lately, I have been working on improving my cooking skills. I've been experimenting with recipes from different cuisines.

• Recently, I have been feeling more optimistic about the future. I've been focusing on positive thinking and goal setting.

• For the past month, I have been enjoying yoga classes online. It has been a great way to stay fit and calm.

Part 4: Time Capsule Letter

Instructions: Write a letter to your future self, reflecting on your current life and past experiences using the present perfect tense. Use 'I have' to mention what you currently possess or enjoy, 'I have had' to discuss important experiences from your past, and 'I have been' to describe ongoing activities or states. This letter will serve as a personal time capsule, so be sure to express your hopes for the future and any advice you want to give to your future self."

"Dear Future Me,

Right now, I have a great circle of friends and a job that challenges me every day. Over the years, I have had the chance to travel to several countries, which has expanded my worldview. Currently, I have been dedicating more time to my personal development, especially in learning new languages.

I'm curious to see where you are now. Remember to keep exploring and staying curious!

Best, [Your Name]"

Example:

Hey Future Self,

Hope things are great with you. As for me, I have a neat apartment downtown and a job that's pretty engaging. Plus, I have recently gotten into painting, which turns out to be pretty cool.

Over the years, I have had the chance to meet a lot of different people, each one showing me a bit more about life from their angle.

Lately, I have been focusing more on staying healthy. Picked up yoga and meditation, and it's actually making a difference. Remember those trips I have had to Japan, Italy, and Brazil? They were awesome. Hope you’ve added even more cool spots to that list.

So, what’s up with you now? Still in touch with any of our old friends? Keep pushing for those goals, and make sure you're having some fun too.

Catch you later,

John