Comparison between the present perfect simple and progressive

There are contexts in which both verbal forms are possible but with some slight shades of
(different) meaning:
(1) An action begun in the past and still continuing can, with certain verbs, be expressed by either
present perfect simple or the present perfect progressive. Verbs which can be used in this way
include: live, stay, learn, study, i.e. verbs having, in themselves, longer duration. The use of the
progressive aspect instead of the simple aspect merely emphasizes the idea of duration, the
uninterrupted character of the action:
He has lived in London for ten years.
He has been living in London for ten years.
How long have you learnt English?
How long have you been learning English?
(2) The present perfect simple indicates completion, a recently finished action while the present
perfect progressive indicates an unfinished, incomplete action.
He has done some research for a book for about a year. (this sees the action more as a
completed
event, and could mean the action is finished)
He has been doing some research for a book for about a year. (continuing from a year ago till
now and possibly into the future)
Ive worked on my composition since 5 oclock. (Ive finished it)
Ive been working on my composition since 5 oclock (I havent finished it - Im still working)
Theyve widened the road. (The job is finished)
Theyve been widening the road (They are still working)
(3) There may be a contrast between completion (a repeated action, especially if the number of
items / actions completed is mentioned), expressed by present perfect simple and incompletion (a
continuous, apparently uninterrupted action) expressed by present perfect progressive:
Ive ironed five shirts this morning - completed: emphasis on achievement.
Ive been ironing my shirts this morning - incomplete or recently completed: emphasis on
duration.
Ive written five letters since breakfast./ Ive been writing letters since breakfast.
He has written fifty poems.
He has been writing poems since he was a child.
I have rung the doorbell 5 times but no one has answered.
I have been ringing the doorbell for several minutes but no one has answered.