PRESENT PERFECT

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Present Perfect is one of the most difficult constructions for brazilians to understand.
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There are some facts to be considered before using this construction:
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1. Situation started and goes on
- I have worked for this company since 1999.
- Julia hasn't seen her father for a week.

2. Past situation without time reference
- Mark has been to Europe twice.
- We've bought a new car.

3. Recent Information
- My parents have just arrived from Australia.
- He's finished the article.

4. PRESENT PERFECT CONTINUOUS: constant or repeated action:
- Won't you get some rest? You've been playing this game for hours!
- Sue's been taking English classes since last month.

*****The only way to perfection is through practice.

Click on the links below:
http://www.better-english.com/grammar/pspp1.htm
http://www.smic.be/smic5022/testtenses2.htm
http://www.smic.be/smic5022/presentperfect2.htm
http://www.geocities.com/gob72/grammarverbtenses.html
http://www.geocities.com/gob72/presentvspresentperfect.htm

Hope it will help you improve your English!
Best wishes,
André

INTENSIFIERS - SO / SUCH

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There are different words that will indicate intensity. SO and SUCH are two short words that can be misleading if one isn't careful when using them.

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SO: it's used with adjectives for emphasis.

- It's so cold in here. Turn on the heater!
- You are so lazy. Why don't you do anything?
- I love her so much!
- I'd never seen so many wild animals.

SUCH: it's usually used with adjectives + nouns for emphasis. It can be used with only nouns.

- Tom is such a jerk!
- You had such an amazing idea!
- This is such hot tea.
- There are such wonderful beaches in Rio!

***You should pay attention to the word SUCH and its comploment:

- This is such a nice song. (countable singular)
- Dan has such beautiful eyes. (countable plural)
- I've never tasted such food. Is it spicy? (uncountable)

There's a link below for further practice:
http://www.usingenglish.com/quizzes/236.html

Best wishes,
André