Present Perfect and Present Perfect Continuous

The Present Perfect has three main uses.

1. It expresses an action which began in the past and still continues.

Kate and Ken have been married for twenty years. (They are still married now.)

She has worked in London for six months. (She still works in London now.)

How long have you lived here? (You still live here now.)

Note the time expressions that are common with this use. We use for with a period of time, and since with a point of time.

For – two years, a month, a few minutes, half an hour, ages

Since – 1970, the end of the lesson, August, 8.00, Christmas

2. It expresses an experience that happened at some time in one’s life. The action is in the past and finished, but the effects of the action are still felt. When the action happened is not important.

I’ve been to the States. (I still remember.)

She’s written poetry, children’s stories and biographies. (In her writing career)

Have you ever had an operation? (At any time in your life up to now)

How many times has he been married? (In his life)

Note the adverbs that are common with this use.

Have you ever been to Australia?

I have never tried salmon before. It’s very nice.

Note that questions and answers about definite times are expressed in the Past Simple.

When did you go to the States?

Was her poetry published while she was alive?

I broke my leg once, but I didn’t have to stay in hospital.

He met his second wife in the dry cleaner’s.

3. It expresses a past action that has a present result. The action is usually in the recent past.

I’ve lost my wallet. (I haven’t got it now.)

The taxi hasn’t arrived. (We’re still waiting for it.)

What have you done to your lip? (It’s bleeding.)

Peter has shaved his beard off. (He looks different.)

We often announce “news” in the Present Perfect, because the speaker is emphasizing the event as a present fact.

Have you heard? The Prime Minister has resigned.

Susan’s had her baby!

I’ve ruined the meal. It’s burnt.

Note the adverbs that are common with this use.

I haven’t done my homework yet.

Has the postman been yet?

I’ve already done my homework.

I’ve just seen some scissors. Now where did I put them?

Again, details about definite time will be in the Past Simple.

She had a baby boy this morning. It was a difficult birth.

1. The Present Perfect Continuous expresses an activity which began in the past and is still continuing now.

I’ve been working all day.

How long have you been sitting here?

I’ve been learning English for three years.

They’ve been listening to the radio all morning.

2. The Present Perfect Continuous expresses a past activity which has caused a present result.

I’ve been working all day. (I’m tired now.)

Have you been crying? (Your eyes are red.)

Roger’s been cutting the grass. (I can smell it.)

The past activity might be finished or might not. The context usually makes this clear.

Look outside the window! It’s been snowing! (It has stopped snowing now.)

I’ve been writing this book for two years. (It isn’t finished.)

Present Perfect Continuous	Present Perfect
When we use the Present Perfect Continuous, the action may be finished or not finished. She’s been doing her homework. (Perhaps she has finished it, perhaps she has not.)	We use the Present Perfect when the action is finished. She’s done her homework. (She has finished it.)
We use the Present Perfect Continuous to talk about how long something has been in progress. I’ve been walking all morning. How long have you been having driving lessons?	We use the Present Perfect to talk about what has been achieved in a period of time. I’ve walked six kilometers so far this morning. How many driving lessons have you had?
We use the Present Perfect Continuous for situations which are more temporary (continuing for a short time.) He’s been living there for just a few weeks. I’ve been working very hard recently.	We use the Present Perfect for situations which are more permanent (continuing for a longer time.) He’s always lived there. You’ve worked hard all your life.

There is sometimes no difference between the Present Perfect and Present Perfect Continuous.

I’ve played/I’ve been playing the piano since I was a boy.

I’ve been living/I’ve lived in this flat for ten years.

How long has she been working/has she worked for the company?

Remember that state verbs rarely take the Present Perfect Continuous.

I’ve had this book for ages.

I’ve always loved sunny days.

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