Problems of using the present perfect tense encountered by Libyan first year students

Abstract

This study aimed at investigating the problems encountered by Libyan undergraduates in using the present perfect tense with especial reference to form and use. The researchers employed both qualitative and quantitative methods in doing this study. The researchers used two methods to collect the data for this study. The first method was a test and the second was an interview. 10 undergraduate students were tested but just six of them were interviewed. The findings of this study showed that students had problems in forming the present perfect tense as they confused selecting the regular verb by adding(ed) or irregular verb by changing the form of the verb completely. In addition, they misused the expressions that are used with the present perfect tense, especially already and just. Moreover, data analysis showed that they got confused in using regular and irregular verbs