Present perfect vs. Present perfect continuous

Present perfect For talking about (1)indefinite time and (1)duration of time from past to now

The present perfect continuous is often used the same as the present perfect, but it emphasizes that an action has just stopped, has recently occurred, or is continuing up until now.

Both possible with slight difference in emphasis : It’s been raining steadily for a week./It has rained steadily for a week. He has been working hard since he started this job 20 years ago./He has worked hard since he started this job 20 years ago.

Present perfect: I’ve played soccer twice this week. Present perfect continuous: I’ve been playing a lot of soccer recently.

EXAMPLE: You don’t know what page we’re on because you haven’t been paying attention. ***Have you been smoking/drinking? (suggests that the person you are speaking to smells like smoke or liquor)

When present perfect doesn’t work… A: (A unexpectedly sees B) Where have you been? I’ve been looking for you. B: Oh, I’ve been in the library. ( I’ve photocopied my term paper) I’ve been photocopying my term paper. (= I just finished photocopying it.)

1. Have you ever gone to France? Have you ever been going to France? 2. I have never studied Chinese. I have never been studying Chinese. 3.I have made apple pie many times. I have been making apple pie many times.

Remember that PRESENT PERFECT CONTINUOUS is a continuous form. Stative verbs (e.g., believe, like, seem, know, etc.) that are not used in the present/past/future continuous are also not used in the present perfect continuous.

For example, I’ve only known her for a few days. I’ve only been knowing her for a few days. She has had the flu for two weeks. She has been having the flu for two weeks.

Online practice at e/verbs7.htm e/verbs8.htm