17630 present perfect simple and continuous

Present Perfect Simple

USE

EXAMPLE

NOTES

to talk about states, single or
repeated actions over a long
period of time up to the
present

Have you ever been to
London?

Often with ever, never,
often, and always

To talk about recent single
actions with a result in the
present

I have always wanted to go to
London.
I have just finished my
homework.
Has the bus arrived yet?

Often with: just, already and
yet

NOTE: In US English, you
can use the past simple in
sentences such as:
I already saw that film
(USA)

To talk about an unfinished
period of time up to the
present

They have been together for
five years.
I have lived here since 1992.

I have already seen that film
(UK).
Often with: for/since, this
week/month/year


Present Perfect Continuous

USE

EXAMPLE

To talk about recent
activities when the effects
can still be seen.

Your eyes are red. Have you
been crying?

To emphasise how long an
action has been going on or if
it has been repeated many
times.
To suggest that an activity is
temporary.
To suggest that an action is
not complete.

No, I have been cutting
onions.
I have been sending emails
all morning.
She has been crying all day.
I have been living here for
five years, but I’m going to
move soon.
She has been reading that
book for ages.

NOTES