Grammar: Perfect Tenses
B2 Lesson 2: Present Perfect Simple vs. Continuous
The Main Difference: Result vs. Duration
Choosing the correct tense makes your English more precise. The main difference is what you want to emphasize: the finished result of an action, or the time spent doing it.
Present Perfect Simple (Focus on Result 🏁)
"She has written three emails."
The focus is on the completed number of emails. The action is finished.
Present Perfect Continuous (Focus on Duration 🕒)
"She has been writing emails all morning."
The focus is on the continuous activity over time. The action may not be finished.
The Grammar Rules 📖
Comparative Summary
| Present Perfect Simple | Present Perfect Continuous |
|---|---|
| Focuses on the result or completion. | Focuses on the duration of the activity. |
| Answers "How much/many?" | Answers "How long?" |
| Used for permanent states & with stative verbs (know, own, etc.). | Used for temporary situations & recent, ongoing actions. |
| "I've read 50 pages." | "I've been reading all afternoon." |
💡 Pro Tip: Stative Verbs
Verbs that describe states, not actions (like know, believe, own, seem, understand), are generally not used in continuous tenses.
Incorrect: I have been knowing him for years.
Correct: I have known him for years.
Practice Your Grammar 🎯
Exercise: Choose the Best Tense
Complete the sentences with the correct form of the verb in brackets.
- She's a successful author. She _______ (write) more than twenty books.
→ Answer: has written (Focus is on the result/number of books). - His eyes are tired because he _______ (read) for hours.
→ Answer: has been reading (Focus is on the duration of the activity causing a present result). - I _______ (lose) my key! I can't get into my apartment.
→ Answer: have lost (Focus is on the present result of a past action). - How long _______ you _______ (study) English?
→ Answer: have you been studying ("How long?" emphasizes duration).
Your Grammar Mission ⭐
Write About Your Day
Write sentences for these situations, focusing on the correct tense.
- You started cooking two hours ago and you are still cooking.
Example: "I have been cooking for two hours." - You finished cooking three different dishes.
Example: "I have cooked three different dishes for dinner." - Your friend looks very tired. Ask them a question about their recent activity.
Example: "Have you been running?"
Key Vocabulary
- Result A consequence, effect, or outcome of something.
- Duration The length of time that something continues.
- Permanent / Temporary Lasting forever / lasting for only a limited time.