PRESENT PERFECT

SIMPLE & CONTINUOUS

 PRESENT PERFECT
SIMPLE
FORM: have / has + past participle
USES:
1. LIFE EXPERIENCES
I’ve been to China
She’s ridden a horse
PRESENT PERFECT SIMPLE
2. ALREADY, JUST & YET

They’ve just left

She’s already called her friend
They haven’t finished yet
PRESENT PERFECT SIMPLE
SUPERLATIVES & “THE FIRST,
SECOND, LAST TIME”, ETC

It’s the best meal I’ve ever had

It’s the first time he’s given a speech
 PRESENT PERFECT
SIMPLE
3. CONNECTION PAST & PRESENT
I’ve sprained my ankle, as you can see

He’s lost his keys

 PRESENT PERFECT
SIMPLE
4. HOW LONG / FOR/ SINCE (NON-
ACTION VERBS:be, have, know, like, etc)
I’ve known Maria for 10 years
They’ve had that car since 2007
PRESENT PERFECT SIMPLE
5. HOW MUCH / HOW MANY

How many books have you written?

I’ve spent too much money

 PRESENT PERFECT
CONTINUOUS
FORM: HAVE / HAS + BEEN + VERB + ING
USES:
1. “HOW LONG / FOR / SINCE” WITH ACTION
VERBS (action started in past & continues now)
How long have you been feeling like this?

She’s been travelling by bus for 5 years

 PRESENT PERFECT
CONTINUOUS
2. REPEATED ACTIONS, ESPECIALLY
WITH TIME EXPRESSIONS LIKE ALL DAY,
RECENTLY, ETC
I have been arguing with my husband lately.

The phone has been ringing all day.

 PRESENT PERFECT
CONTINUOUS
3. CONTINUOUS ACTIONS THAT HAVE JUST
FINISHED (WITH RESULT IN THE PRESENT)

He’s been running all day. He’s dead!

A: Look at your hands! They’re so filthy!

B: I know. I’ve been painting the living room
SIMPLE OR CONTINUOUS?
With “How long?, For & Since” we can use
both. However, we prefer the continuous for
shorter, temporary actions.
We’ve lived in London since 1980
We’ve been living in London since 1980
We’ve been staying in a hotel for the last month
SIMPLE OR CONTINUOUS?
PRESENT PERFECT SIMPLE:
Emphasis on the RESULT of the action
I’ve painted my living room
PRESENT PERFECT CONTINUOUS:
Emphasis on the DURATION of the action
I’ve been painting my living room