Present perfect simple vs present perfect continuous
• We've painted the bathroom.
• She's been training for a half-marathon.
• I've had three coffees already today!
• They've been waiting for hours.
Grammar test 1
Choose the correct verb forms to complete the sentences.
1) I ____________ the windows all day without any help! Two more and I can have a
rest.
a) ‘ve been washing
b) ‘ve washed
2) You look nice! Have you ___________ your hair cut?
a) been having
b) had
3) Has someone _________ my special bread? There’s only a little bit left.
a) been eating
b) eaten
4) ____________ four goals and it’s only half-time!
a) They’ve been scoring
b) They’ve scored
5) I’ve ___________ English for three years and soon I’m going to be using it at work.
a) been learning
b) learned
6) A: Are you OK? B: Yeah, I’m fine! I’m not crying. I’ve _______ onions!
a) been chopping
b) chopped
7) Finally! We ______ our house.
a) ‘ve been selling
b) ‘ve sold
8) Sorry, I’m late! How long ________?
a) have you been waiting
b) have you waited
Grammar explanation
We use both the present perfect simple (have or has + past participle) and the present
perfect continuous (have or has + been + (verb + ing)) to talk about past actions or states
which are still connected to the present.
Focusing on result or activity
The present perfect simple usually focuses on the result of the activity in some way,
and the present perfect continuous usually focuses on the activity itself in some way.
Present perfect simple Present perfect continuous
Focuses on the result Focuses on the activity
You’ve cleaned the bathroom! It looks I’ve been gardening. It’s so nice out there.
lovely!
Says “How many” Says “How long”
She’ read ten books this summer. She’s been reading that book all day.
Describes a completed action Describes an activity which may
continue
I’ve written you an email. I’ve been writing emails.
When we can see evidence of recent
activity
The grass looks wet. Has it been raining?
I know, I’m really red. I’ve been running.
Ongoing states and actions
We often use for, since and how long with the present perfect simple to talk about
ongoing states.
How long have you known each other?
We’ve known each other since we were at school.
We often use for, since and how long with the present perfect continuous to talk about
ongoing single or repeated actions.
How long have they been playing tennis?
They’ve been playing tennis for an hour.
They’ve been playing tennis every Sunday for years.
Sometimes the present perfect continuos can emphasise that a situation is temporary
I usually go to the gym on the High Street, but it’s closed for repairs at the moment so I’ve
been going to the one in the shopping centre.
Grammar test 2
Choose the correct verb forms to complete the sentences.
1) Have you always _________ garlic?
a) been hating
b) hated
2) Thanks for the recipe book! We’ve _________ two different recipes so far.
a) been trying
b) tried
3) I’m worried about Sam. She’s ____________ too hard recently.
a) been working
b) worked
4) I’ve ________ to call the internet company all morning but I can’t get through.
a) been trying
b) tried
5) She’s _______ three main ways our company can reduce costs.
a) been finding
b) found
6) He’s _______ for the party for weeks.
a) been preparing
b) prepared
7) You’ve white dust all over you! What have you _______?
a) been doing
b) done
8) Have you parents _______ yet?
a) been ariving
b) arrived
