Present perfect simple and continuous

Do you know the difference between We've finished the report and We've been working on the report? Enhance your knowledge with a lesson given below and the grammar explanation to guide you better.

Look at these examples to see how the present perfect simple and continuous are used.

• We've completed the project.

• He's been studying for his exams.

• I've eaten lunch already today!

• They've been practicing their presentation for a week.

Grammar explanation - Present perfect simple and continuous

We use both the present perfect simple (have or has + past participle) and the present perfect continuous (have or has + been + -ing form) to talk about past actions or states that are still connected to the present.

1. Focusing on result or activity

The present perfect simple usually focuses on the result of the activity in some way, and the present perfect continuous usually focuses on the activity itself in some way.

2. Ongoing states and actions

We often use for, since, and how long with the present perfect simple to talk about ongoing states.

• How long have you worked here?

• We've worked here since 2015.

We often use for, since, and how long with the present perfect continuous to talk about ongoing single or repeated actions.

• How long have they been swimming?

• They've been swimming for two hours.

• They've been swimming every Saturday for years.

Sometimes the present perfect continuous can emphasize that a situation is temporary.

I usually eat at the café on Main Street, but it’s closed for renovations at the moment, so I’ve been going to the one near the park.

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