Which tense is used to talk about actions that happened in the past but are still relevant or important now?

The tense used to talk about actions that happened in the past but are still relevant or important now is called the Present Perfect Tense. This tense connects past actions or events to the present moment, emphasizing the ongoing relevance or impact of those actions.

Explanation:

1. Formation: The present perfect tense is typically formed using the auxiliary verb "have" (or "has" for third-person singular) plus the past participle of the main verb. For example:

   • I have eaten.
   • She has completed her project.

2. Usage: This tense is used in several contexts, including:

   • To indicate an action that occurred at an unspecified time before now: "I have visited Paris."
   • To talk about past actions that have present consequences: "He has lost his keys," meaning he still does not have his keys now.
   • To describe experiences or changes over time: "They have grown a lot since last year."

In summary, the present perfect tense allows speakers to relate the past to the present, highlighting the lasting significance of past actions.