Present perfect simple and continuous
Present perfect simple and continuous
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Present perfect: for and since
We use the present perfect with for or since to talk about something which started in the past and is still true now.
They've known each other for ten years.
Julia's had that bag since she was at university.
We use How long...? with present perfect to talk about an unfinished period of time ( from the past until now).
We use for with a period of time: for two years.
We use since with a point of time: since 2016.
Don't use the present simple with for or since.
How long have you worked here?
Since 1996.
How long has your brother had his motorbike?
For about a year.
Present perfect continuous
Present perfect continuous
We use the present perfect continuous with for and since with actions verbs to talk about actions which started in the past and are still true now.
With non-action verbs we use the present perfect simple.
How long have you been learning English?
Nick has been working here since April.
They've been going out together for about three years.
We can also use the present perfect continuous for continuous or repeated actions which have been happening very recently.
The actions have usually just finished or have visibly present results.
Your eyes are red. Have you been crying?
No, I've been chopping onios.
Live and work
Live and work are often used in either the present perfect simple or present perfect continuous with the same meaning.
I've lived here since 2010.
I've been living here since 2010.
We use the presente perfect continuous to say how long (for an activity that is still happening):
How long have you been reading that book?
Lisa is still writing letters. She’s been writing letters all day.
They’ve been playing tennis since 2 o’clock.
I’m learning Spanish, but I haven’t been learning it very long.
My hands are very dirty. I've been repairing the car.
Joe has been eating too much recently. He should eat less.
It's nice to see you again. What have you been doing since we last met?
Where have you been? Have you been playing tennis?
We use the presente perfect simple to say how much, how many or how many times (for completed actions):
How much of that book have you read?
Lisa has written ten letters today.
They’ve played tennis three times this week.
I’m learning Spanish, but I haven’t learnt very much yet.
The car is OK again now. I've repaired it.
Somebody has eaten all my chocolates. The box is empty.
Where's the book I gave you? What have you done with it?
Have you ever played tennis?
Kate's clothes are covered in paint.
She has been painting the ceiling.
We are interested in the activity.
It does not matter whether something has been finished or not.
In this example, the activity (painting the ceiling) has not been finished.
The ceiling was white. Now it is red.
She has painted the ceiling.
Here, the important thing is that something has been finished.
Has painted is a completed action.
We are interested in the result of the activity (the painted ceiling), not the activity itself.
Hello, my dear!
Why are you speaking English, mom? We're both Brazilian.
Well, everyone knows that, in order to learn a language, you need to practice... andad that's what I'm doing.
Okay. How have things been at home?
Oh, well, dear, a little quiet without you and your sister here, but I've been spending time with your dad.
He's been talking a lot about you lately. We've been missing you so much.
Oh, I've been missing you, too.
I thought you didn't have much time to miss us, since you've been doing so many things and visiting all those cool places.
I've been really busy for sure, mom. But I think about you guys all the time.
Oh, have you seen my Instagram photos?
I can't wait to see you in person and tell you everything I've been learning recently.
Well, what about learning how to cook your own meals, young lady?
I can see from your food pictures that you haven't been eating right.
All those burgers and sweets...
I've also been walking a lot, and...
Oh, I completely forgot to tell you.
I've talked to Marilyn Monroe! We're such good friends now.
Have you been talking to strangers? You know that makes me really worried! Just be careful.
She's not a stranger, mom.
She's Marilyn. Your biggest idol.
Oh dear! What have you been drinking?
But mom, what else have you been doing besidesenjoying dad's company?
I've been talking to my friends , reading some books, exercising...
What about you? Have you been talking care of your health?
Of course, mom.
By the way, is it cold there?
Don't forget to wear a jacket! Have you been carrying an umbrella these days?
Don't worry, mom. It hasn't been raining lately.
Be careful! I don't want you to get a cold.
Mom, relax! I've been traveling by myself since last month and I haven't been sick in years.
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