Present Perfect Simple vs Continuous
Present Perfect Simple vs Continuous
| Situation / Focus | P. P. Simple | P. P. Continuous |
|---|---|---|
| Completed action (result/quantity) | I've painted the room | - |
| How many / how much | I've read 3 books this month | - |
| Permanent or finished result | She's broken her leg | - |
| Duration / how long (temporary) | - | I've been living here for 2 years |
| Ongoing or repeated action | - | She's been calling him all day |
| Recent activity (evidence now) | - | Why are you so dirty? → I've been gardening |
| Emphasis on the activity itself | - | I've been working hard (that's why I'm tired) |
| Stative verbs | I've known him since 2000. | - (almost never used) |
| Both possible (slight difference) | I've learned a lot today | I've been learning a lot today (focus on process) |
Quick rule:
- Result / how many → Simple
- Process / how long / recent activity → Continuous
