Present perfect simple & continuous

Present Perfect Simple  Present Perfect Continuous
To talk about an   action which started in the past but has a result in the present. These actions don’t have a duration.The present perfect simple emphasizes the completion of the action and the result.

I’ve lost my keys. (I don’t have them now)

The laptop has broken down. (It’s still broken now)
We use the Present Perfect for past events related to the present time because they happened recently.

I’ve finished the book.

(I had to write the last chapter this morning)

We use expressions such as recently and lately to talk about a recent   past.

I haven’t seen Paul lately.

I’ve recently eaten in this restaurant.

 To talk about continuous actions which started in the past and have a result in the   present, these are things that have stopped very recently. The action is not happening now but you   can see the results of it.The continuous form emphasizes the duration.

It has been snowing. The children are still playing with the snow.

They’ve been eating chocolate. (They are dirty)
We normally use the Present Perfect to announce news of recent events.

The PM has said that the government’s economic policies are working.

After announcing news, we usually use the Past Simple to give more details.

Uncle George has crashed the car. He ran into a tree.
To talk about past actions when you don’t say when these happened. We emphasize the action.Have you ever had a car accident?I’ve visited New York.We use ever to ask questions meaning “at any time up until now”.

Have you ever visited this museum?

We use never to answer negatively.

I’ve never tried sushi.
When we say “how long” with stative verbs. With for and since.

We’ve known each other for 10 years.

 We use the Present Perfect Continuous to talk about facts that started   in the past, continue up to the present and may continue in the future. These facts are not finished. This   shows an action in progress.

I’ve been playing tennis for two hours.

(I started 2 hours ago and I’m still playing)

Compare:

I’ve eaten the sweets you gave me. (They are all gone)

I’ve been eating the sweets you gave me. (There are some left)

When we want to emphasize the duration of the action. Usually with time expressions such as: for, since, all day, etc. With dynamic verbs.

I’ve been studying for 2 weeks.

NOTE: To express the duration of an action we can use both forms but we prefer the continuous form for shorter, more temporary actions.

We’ve lived/been living here for 10 years.

We’ve been living here for the last 2 months

 If we add a time expression, we can use the Present Perfect Simple or Continuous and there is no difference in meaning.

I’ve read the book for one hour.

I’ve been reading the book for one hour.
When we say “how much/many/often”

She’s done four exams.

With already, just and yet.

I’ve already done the homework.

I’ve just come back.
To express anger, annoyance or irritation.

They have been using my laptop!

Activity & key