Grammar, compared
Present perfect simple vs continuous
The simple form shows the result and how many. The continuous form shows the activity and how long.
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| Simple | Continuous |
|---|---|
| I've read three chapters. (The result.) | I've been reading all day. (The activity.) |
| She's painted the kitchen. (It is done.) | She's been painting the kitchen. (There is paint everywhere.) |
| It has rained twice this week. (How many.) | It has been raining all week. (How long.) |
When to use each
| Point | Simple | Continuous |
|---|---|---|
| Focus | The result, finished things | The activity, how long, the effect now |
| Question | How many have you read? | How long have you been reading? |
| Form | have plus past participle | have been plus -ing |
| Signal words | already, yet, ever, just, times | all day, lately, recently, for hours |
| State verbs | I've known her for years. | Not used with know, like, want |
Watch out if you speak Spanish
- Llevo dos horas esperando is I have been waiting for two hours.
- Do not use the continuous with state verbs: I have known her, not I have been knowing her.
- With a number, use the simple: I've written five emails, not I've been writing five emails.
- With how long and an activity, use the continuous: How long have you been learning English?
Practice
Grammar practice
Choose or type the answer for each sentence, then check.
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Questions
- Are I have worked here for two years and I have been working here for two years the same?
- Almost. Both are correct for a situation that continues. The continuous stresses the time passing.
- Can I use the continuous with a number?
- No. A number means a result, so use the simple: I've read three books.
Keep going
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