Present perfect versus present perfect continuous

Video about present perfect versus present perfect continuous 

What's the difference?
Present Perfect Simple and Present Perfect Continuous

We use both of these tenses for finished and unfinished actions.

The present perfect simple can be used (often with 'since' and 'for') to talk about unfinished actions that started in the past and are still true in the present. It's often used with stative verbs:

• I've known John for three years.

The present perfect continuous can also be used (often with 'since' and 'for') to talk about unfinished actions that started in the past and are still true in the present. (Of course, we don't use the present perfect continuous with stative verbs):

• She's been living here for three years.

ometimes there's really no difference in meaning between the two tenses. This is especially the case with verbs such as 'live', 'work' and 'study':

• They've lived in London since 2004.
• They've been living in London since 2004.

• I've studied French for ten years.
• I've been studying French for ten years.

• He's worked at the company since 2009.
• He's been working at our company since 2009.

Sometimes, there is a difference in meaning:

1: The present perfect continuous can be used to emphasise the length of time that has passed. The present perfect simple is generally neutral:

• They've been waiting for hours! (This emphasises the length of time).
• They've waited for hours. (This doesn't emphasise the length of time).

2: On the other hand, the present perfect simple is often used when we're talking about how much or how many. This isn't possible with the present perfect continuous:

• She's drunk three cups of coffee this morning.
• She's drunk at least a litre of coffee today.
• (NOT: she's been drinking three cups of coffee this morning).

3: The present perfect continuous often focuses on the action itself, while the 

present perfect simple focuses on the fact that the action is completed:

• I've been reading the book you recommended. (I'm enjoying it, but I'm not finished).
• I've read the book you recommended. (I've finished it, so we can talk about it).

We use 'yet' and 'already' with the present perfect simple:

• Have you read the book yet?
• She's finished her work already.

This difference is often used to talk about different kinds of results in the present. The present perfect simple is used when the action is finished, and the result comes from the action being finished:

• I've eaten dinner, so let's go out.
• She's done all her homework, so she can relax this evening.
• I've made a cake. Would you like some?

The present perfect continuous is used when the result comes from the action itself. It doesn't matter if the whole action is finished or not. The result is often something we can see, hear, smell, or feel:

• I've been eating dinner, so there are plates all over the table.
• She's been doing her homework, so she's tired.
• I've been making a cake, that's why the kitchen is such a mess.
4: Finally, the present perfect continuous can be used to emphasise that something is temporary:
• She's been running a lot recently. (She doesn't usually do this).
• Usually I study at home, but I've been studying in the library for the last week.

Exercise 1: TestPresent Perfect Simple – Present Perfect Progressive

Exercise 2: Choose the present perfect simple or continuous.

Exercise 3:  presentperfect simple or continuous 2

PRESENT PERFECT VS. SIMPLE PAST

Look at the video about present perfect versus simple past

You must always use the Present perfect when the time of an action is not important or not specified.
You must always use the Simple past when details about the time or place that an action occured are given or requested.

COMPARE :

Present perfect Simple past
I have lived in Lyon. I lived in Lyon in 1989.
They have eaten Thai food. They ate Thai food last night.
Have you seen 'Othello'?. Where did you see 'Othello'?
We have been to Ireland. When did you go to Ireland?
There is also a difference in attitude between the two tenses, which is often an important factor in choosing which tense to use.

"What did you do at school today?" I use the simple past tense because the question is about activities, and the school day is considered finished.
"What have you done at school today?" I use the present perfect because the question is about results : « show me ». The time at which the question is asked is considered as a continuation of the school day.



Exercise 1:   Test Simple Past – Present Perfect Simple
Exercise 2:   Simple Pastor Present Perfect
Exercise 3:  Choose pastsimple or present perfect