Life experiences (Experiencias de vida)

How do you talk about the things you have done in your life, without saying exactly *when*? English uses a special tense for this: the **present perfect**. It connects your past to who you are right now.

Have you ever…?

The classic question is «**Have you ever** tried sushi?» — it means «at any time in your life». You answer: «Yes, I **have**» or «No, I **haven't** *yet*». The word *ever* asks about any moment, and *yet* keeps the door open for the future.

How to build it

The formula is: **have / has + past participle**.

I **have visited** three countries. She **has studied** English since 2019. They **have never eaten** tacos al pastor.

Regular verbs add **-ed** (visited, studied). Irregular ones change: *go → gone*, *see → seen*, *do → done*, *be → been*.

Experience vs. a finished moment

Compare these two:

«I **have been** to Mexico City.» → a life experience; when doesn't matter. «I **went** to Mexico City **last summer**.» → a finished moment; the time is stated.

If you say *when* (yesterday, in 2020, last year), use the past simple. If the time is open or unimportant, use the present perfect.

Why it matters

Talking about experiences makes conversations richer: «Have you ever…?», «I've always wanted to…», «This is the best movie I've seen». Write three sentences about your own life using *have/has + participle* — one thing you have done, one you have never done, and one you haven't done *yet*.