Present Perfect VS Present perfect continuous
Table of Contents
Overview
In this grammar section we will have a look at the tense Present Perfect Simple vs Present Perfect continuous
Form
A: Have you ever been to Laos?
B: No, I haven’t been to Laos, but I have been to Cambodia.
A: How long have you been waiting?
B: I haven’t been waiting long. I have only been waiting for 5 minutes.
Usage/ Meaning
The same meaning
Present Perfect or Present Perfect Continuous can be used for an unfinished ongoing action. Especially with verbs like: do, live, work, study
- I have been living here for 10 years.
- I have lived here for 10 years.
How much vs How long
Present Perfect to focus on the Quantity: how much/ how many
- How many books has he written?
- He has written 10 books.
Present Perfect Continuous to focus on the length/duration: how long
- How long has he been writing?
- He has been writing since he was 15.
Finished/ Unfinished
Present Perfect to focus on a finished action
- I have painted the bedroom and can relax now
Present Perfect Continuous to focus on an ongoing action
- I have been painting the bedroom for 3 hours and need a break.
Evidence of a longer action.
Present Perfect Continuous to talk about the evidence of a longer action.
- A: You look dirty.
- B: I have been working in the garden.
Present Perfect to talk about the evidence of a short action.
- A: Is that blood on your shirt?
- B: Yes, I have cut my finger.
Spread the word
Kristof Abrath
Teacher, Trainer, Course Designer
Teaching in English on 4 different continents since 2006.