PRESENT PERFECT SIMPLE & CONTINUOUS

PRESENT PERFECT SIMPLE

FORM: have / has + past participleUSES:1. LIFE EXPERIENCES (NEVER/ EVER)

I’ve been to ChinaI have never been to the USA.She’s ridden a horseHave you ever seen the Eiffel Tower?

PRESENT PERFECT SIMPLE

2. ALREADY, JUST & YET

They’ve just leftShe’s already called her friendThey haven’t finished yet

PRESENT PERFECT SIMPLE

With SUPERLATIVES & “THE FIRST, SECOND, LAST TIME”,

ETC

It’s the best meal I’ve ever hadIt’s the first time he’s given a speech

PRESENT PERFECT SIMPLE

3. CONNECTION PAST & PRESENT/ FUTURE - action happened in the past (we do not know the exact time) and can be repeated in the present or future

I’ve read a lot of books.He’s lost his keys

PRESENT PERFECT SIMPLE

4. HOW LONG / FOR/ SINCE (NON-ACTION – STATIVE 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 TIMES

How many books have you written?

I’ve spent too much money

PRESENT PERFECT CONTINUOUS

FORM: HAVE / HAS + BEEN + VERB + INGUSES: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, ETCI 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 dirty!B: I know. I’ve been painting the living room

PRESENT PERFECT CONTINUOUS

4. ACTIVITY STARTED IN THE PAST AND STILL CONTINUING INTO THE PRESENT

I have been doing my homework for 2 hours.

SIMPLE OR CONTINUOUS?

PRESENT PERFECT SIMPLE: Emphasis on the RESULT of the actionI’ve painted my living roomPRESENT PERFECT CONTINUOUS:Emphasis on the DURATION of the actionI’ve been painting my living room