Grammar: Present Perfect and Present Perfect Continuous
š We use the Present Perfect Continuous for an action that started in the past and still continues in the present.
have / has + ( Not)
Been
verb + ing
Example:
We haven't been doing much in our free time.
He hasn't been playing basketball on the court.
š To talk about a repeated action in the past, we must use the present perfect, not the
Example:
I've eaten my food already ✔
I've been eaten my food already.
š If you're using for or since to indicate a specific period of time in the past, you can use the Present Perfect and also the Present Perfect Continuous. They have the same meaning!
Example:
You have been playing baseball since you were a child.
=
You have played baseball since you were a child.
š Sometimes some sentences do not indicate a specific time in the past. Use the Present Perfect Continuous for an action that is still happening. Use the Present Perfect for a completed action. These two sentences have different meanings.
Example:
I have been reading GraceFit's blog. I'm really enjoying it. ( the action is ongoing.) (You are still reading the blog.)
=/
I have read GraceFit's blog. It was excellent ( the action is complete)(You finish reading the blog)
Example:
I've been working out a lot recently.
Recently I've been working out more.
š As with other continuous tenses, do not use stative verbs like ( hear, like, and own) with the Present Perfect Continuous. Use the
Present Perfect instead.
Example:
I have owned that car for seven years. ✔
š If you want to talk about a repeated action in the past, use the
Present Perfect, not the Present Perfect Continuous.
I've taken this test two times already.
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