Present Perfect Simple and Present Perfect Continuous

Present Perfect Simple (subject + has/have + v₃ + object)

• We use the present perfect simple to refer to events at an unspecified time in the past which are relevant and important now.
  • The higher temperatures have already had dramatic effects on the planet.
• We often use this form to talk about experiences in life up to now or to talk about recent events (including events which are in the news).
  • She has won two Oscars.
  • A new report on climate change has shown that the global temperature is rising at an unprecedented rate.
• We often use the adverbs just, already, yet, not yet, ever and never with the present perfect.
  • Sorry, Sarah isn’t here. She has just left.
• We use the present perfect after It’s / This is the first / third / etc. time.
  • This is the third time someone has told me this.
• We use the present perfect simple (often with since and for) to refer to facts: states or developments that began in the past and are still going on or ended a short time ago.
  • Average global sea levels have risen by 3 mm each year since the beginning of this century.

Present Prefect Continuous (Subject + has/have + been + v₄ + object)

• We use the present perfect continuous to refer to activities: active processes that began in the past and are still going on or ended a short time ago, particularly when we say how long they have been going on.
  • The planet’s temperature has been rising since the beginning of the 20th century.
• We often use the present perfect continuous in this way to express a complaint or criticism.
  • I’ve been waiting here for you since three o’ clock!
• We can use the present prefect continuous to focus on the activity itself, without saying how long it has been going on.
  • A: What have you been doing?
  • B: I’ve been working in the garden.
• We sometimes use the present perfect continuous to explain present evidence, give an excuse, or with verbs like mean, want, think and wonder to express a vague intention / idea.
  • Your face is red. Have you been sunbathing?
  • Sorry I’m late. I’ve been writing an urgent email.
  • I’ve been meaning to email Julie.

Present Perfect Simple or Present Perfect Continuous

• We can often use either the present perfect simple or continuous to refer to past events or situations which we feel are relevant or important now, with little or no difference in meaning.
  • I have played basketball / have been playing basketball since I was ten years’ old.
• We use the present perfect simple, not continuous, when we want to imply that the activity was completed at some time in the past. Note the difference:
  • He has written his report. (It is complete.)
  • He has been writing his reports. (It may or may not be complete.)
• We usually use the present perfect continuous, not simple, if we want to express the feeling that a situation is temporary and incomplete.
  • I’ve been staying with a friend while my house is being redecorated.
• We normally use the present perfect simple, not continuous, with for or since with verbs that describe unchanging states (e.g. like, hate, know).
  • Jenish and I have known each other since we were children. NOT Jenish and I have been knowing …
• But we can use the present perfect continuous with want.
  • We’ve been wanting to meet you for years.
  • Or We’ve wanted …
• We use the present perfect simple to refer to a series of actions when we mention or ask about the number of these actions. We use the present perfect continuous if the number of actions is not important.
  • I’ve walked to work three times this week.
  • My bike’s broken, so I’ve been walking to work this week.

Source: Active Grammar, Level 3, Mark Lloyd and Jeremy Day, CUP, 2011 (With Ramrowriter’s adaptation where necessary)