The present perfect is especially useful for checking off a to-do list. When packing for a move, you can use time markers like ya (already), todavía no (not yet), and alguna vez (ever) to talk about your progress.
Ya (Already)
Use ya to say that you have already completed a task. It usually goes directly before the helping verb haber.
| We have already wrapped the fragile vase. | Ya hemos envuelto el jarrón frágil. |
| I have already taken apart the table in front of the window. | Ya he desarmado la mesa enfrente de la ventana. |
Todavía no (Not yet)
When a task is still on your to-do list, use todavía no. Just like ya, it is placed before the conjugated form of haber.
| I haven't emptied the cardboard boxes yet. | Todavía no he vaciado las cajas de cartón. |
| We haven't packed the fragile mirror yet. | Todavía no hemos empacado el espejo frágil. |
Alguna vez (Ever)
When asking a question to find out if someone has ever done a specific task, use the phrase alguna vez.
| Have you ever taken apart a bed? | ¿Alguna vez has desarmado una cama? |
| Have you ever driven a big truck? | ¿Alguna vez has manejado un camión grande? |
Triggers and object pronouns
In the previous lesson, you learned that object pronouns must go immediately before haber. When adding time markers like ya and todavía no, they will go before the object pronoun. Nothing should interrupt the pronoun and the verb haber!
| The receipt for the truck? I have already given it to you. | ¿El recibo del camión? Ya te lo he dado. |
| The marker is on top of the box, but I haven't used it yet. | El marcador está encima de la caja, pero todavía no lo he usado. |