In this usage of the Present Perfect, the verb action happened at an unspecified time in the past. The time of the event isn't important. The focus of this meaning is the experience at some time in one's life.
- She has never been to Egypt.
- He has been married four times.
- I have never gotten a ticket from the police for speeding.
- She has never been driving a car when it's crashed.
- He has been walking on the street and seen a fight.
Been Vs. Gone
When we are using the Present Perfect to talk about indefinite past, the past participle of go is been. When we are discussing present results with Present Perfect, the past participle of go is gone.
- I have never been to France. (Experience)
- He has been there many times. (Experience)
- Has she gone home? (Now)
- They have gone. (Now)
Unfinished Time Periods
It also common to use the Present Perfect to discuss actions that have happened in an unfinished time period. This is similar to the grammar above as the unfinished time period for experience is usually "something's life." Look at the following examples of unfinished time periods:
- Today
- This morning (if it is still morning)
- This week
- This year
- This month
- This summer (if it is still summer)
- This class
- Since my birthday
- Since summer started
- Since I came to school this morning
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