When we talk about things that happen in a period of time from the past up to now, we often use the:
present perfect simple (have + past participle)
and
present perfect continuous (have + been + -ing).
FINISHED VS UNFINISHED
Present Perfect Simple
We use the present perfect simple to talk about completed actions (but we do not say when they happened):
I’ve never been to China.
He has made several films since last year.
I’ve found your hat!
Present Perfect Continuous
Form summary
We use the present perfect continuous to talk about unfinished activities that started in the past and are still in progress in the present:
I’ve been working in London since last year.
I don’t know many people in this city. I haven’t been living here for very long
RESULTS VS ACTIVITY
Present Perfect Simple
When we use the present perfect simple, we focus on a completed activity or the result of the activity:
She is ready. She has studied everything.
(We are interested in the result: She is ready.)
He’s smoked the whole pack! ( he has no cigarettes left)
Present Perfect Continuous
We can use the present perfect continuous to focus on a recent activity. It is not important if the activity is finished or unfinished:
She’ll be ready. She’s been studying very hard.
(We are interested in the activity of studying.)
His clothes smell. Has he been smoking?
HOW MUCH/MANY? vs HOW LONG?
We use the present perfect simple to say HOW MUCH or HOW MANY.
I’ve met him 5 times.
How many books has he written?
How much money has he made since last year?
We often use the present perfect continuous to say HOW LONG.
I’ve been writing for two hours.
How long have you been standing there?
I haven’t been watching television for very long.
Dialogue
A: I’ve been living here for about a year.
B: Really? How many new friends have you made?
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