DEFINITION The present perfect is used to indicate a link between the present and the past. The time of the action is before now but not specified, and we are often more interested in the result than in the action itself. THE PRESENT PERFECT IS USED TO DESCRIBE An action or situation that started in the past and continues in the present. I have lived in Bristol since 1984 (= and I still do.) An action performed during a period that has not yet finished. She has been to the cinema twice this week (= and the week isn't over yet.) A repeated action in an unspecified period between the past and now. We have visited Portugal several times. An action that was completed in the very recent past, expressed by 'just'. I have just finished my work. An action when the time is not important. He has read 'War and Peace'. (= the result of his reading is important) ACTIONS STARTED IN THE PAST AND CONTINUING IN THE PRESENT They haven't lived here for years. She h