Present Perfect vs.

Present Perfect Continuous

Uses of the Present Perfect1. Actions and situations at an specified time in the past. I’ve been to Madrid. My sister has just returned from there. Have you ever been there.2. Repeated past actions at unspecified times. I’ve gone there five times. My sister has visited Spain many times.3. Actions that started in the past and are still continuing in the present. Peter has lived in Chicago for ten years. Peter has worked here since 2004. Peter has studied English for two years.

4. Experience. I have never eaten caviar. I have seen a ghost in town. I have always ridden a bicycle to school.5. Completed or incomplete actions. Mary hasn’t eaten yet. George hasn’t seen the new movie yet. They’ve already been to my house twice.6. Progress. There are 347 stamps. So far, I’ve collected 215. I need to save $3000. Up to now, I’ve saved $20.7. Recent past actions linked to the present. Call the police! Someone has stolen my car! Help! Mary has broken her arm.

Uses of the Present Perfect Continuous1. Activities that began in the past and have continued to the present. I have been working for the company since 2002. I’ve been working here for twelve years. This week, we’ve training new employees.2. Repeated actions in a period of time (recent past to the present) I’ve been working hard lately. I haven’t been eating right lately.3. To emphasize the duration of an activity that began in the past and is still continuing in the present. I have been waiting for you all day. I’ve been working hard all week.