Present Perfect v.s Present Perfect Progressive by Mariska

The Difference

2015-09-16 17:14:55 UTC

Both of these examples can indicate the speaker has finished or not finished waiting, and they waited in the past.

However, in this case the Present Perfect Progressive emphasizes the length of time that has passed during an action.

mariskasari — 2015-09-16 17:20:25 UTC

Examples

2015-09-16 17:20:29 UTC

I have been waiting for an hour. (Present Perfect Progressive)

I have waited for an hour. (Present Perfect)

mariskasari — 2015-09-16 17:22:06 UTC

Difference

2015-09-16 17:22:38 UTC

Present Perfect is used with how much or how many. The Present perfect progressive cannot be used for this purpose.

Example

2015-09-16 17:23:58 UTC

I have eaten three doughnuts today.

*I have been eating three doughnuts today.

Present Perfect is used because there is a countable amount of doughnuts. We cannot use Present perfect progressive.

Note

2015-09-16 17:28:08 UTC

Both tenses can be used for actions which are finished or unfinished. In many cases, these tenses may be used interchangeably without a strong difference in meaning. However, in some contexts these tenses may indicate clear differences in meaning.

In the following examples, we will explain the differences in meaning and usage.

mariskasari — 2015-09-16 17:33:06 UTC

Diagram are taken from:

Azar, B.S., & Hagen, S.A. (2009). Understanding and using English grammar chartbook: a reference grammar (4th Ed). Pearson Longman: New York

Difference

2015-09-16 17:33:10 UTC

The present perfect continuous focuses more on the action itself, while the present perfect focuses on the fact the action is completed

Example

2015-09-16 17:37:49 UTC

I have been watching the tv show you reccomended.

(still watching the tv show, enjoying it now)

I have watched the tv show you reccommended.

(finished watching the tv show)

Difference

2015-09-16 17:42:44 UTC

Present Perfect Progressive is often used to emphasise temporariness of actions.

In a similar context, the present perfect can indicate a more permanent state.

Example

2015-09-16 17:46:28 UTC

I have been living here for a year.

(Indicates that speaker may move in the future)

I have lived here for a year.

(suggests more permanance)

Difference

2015-09-16 17:47:26 UTC

The present perfect continuous may not be used with stative verbs such as: know, own

Example

2015-09-16 17:48:20 UTC

* I have been knowing him for years.

*I have been owning my home for 30 years.