Unsupported Browser

Ellii may not function properly in Internet Explorer. We recommend using Google Chrome or Firefox instead.

Unsupported Browser

Ellii may not function properly in older browsers. We recommend updating yours to the latest version for the best experience.

Present Perfect Vs. Present Perfect Progressive

November 10, 2016

How long have you been studying English grammar?

Last week on the blog, we highlighted the two uses of the present perfect tense. This week we’ll continue focusing on this common verb tense by comparing it with the present perfect progressive.

It’s important that English language learners realize that there are two distinct uses of the present perfect (finished past action vs. continuing action). For continuing actions, both the present perfect and present perfect progressive are common, and this can be confusing for students. To clear up this confusion, try presenting these two tenses using the method below, which focuses on shorter time frames (within one day) and longer time frames (days, weeks, months, or years).

Use #1

Finished Vs. Continuing Actions – Shorter Time Frames

Present Perfect Vs. Present Perfect Progressive Use #1

Present Perfect Vs. Present Perfect Progressive – Grammar & Usage Resources

Use #2

Continuing Actions – Longer Time Frames

Present Perfect Vs. Present Perfect Progressive Use #2

Present Perfect Vs. Present Perfect Progressive – Grammar & Usage Resources

For a comparison of the present perfect and the simple past, see our Present Perfect: Two Uses post.

Conclusion & Exceptions

For short-term continuing actions (in the first chart), the ‑ing form is a lot more common. For example, it sounds much better to say He has been writing his report for two hours than He has written his report for two hours.

For longer time frames, the present perfect and present perfect progressive can be confusing because they are so similar. But in most cases, there is no difference in meaning between a long, continuing action using the present perfect and one using the present perfect progressive, so students can use whichever tense they want—both are likely correct.

Students will undoubtedly ask you which tense is the better one to use for longer time frames. Point out that native speakers usually prefer the present perfect because it is shorter, but they will use the present perfect progressive when they really want to emphasize that an action will continue into the future.

For instance, native speakers would more likely say I have lived in Vancouver for five years than I have been living in Vancouver for five years, though both are correct. In a job interview, though, when discussing their work experience, native speakers would likely say I have been working with children for eight years to emphasize that they will continue to do so (though, again, I have worked with children for eight years is also correct).

Most importantly, make sure you reinforce that the present perfect (have + p.p.) can be used for a continuing action, not just a completed past action. Students often have trouble remembering this since all other continuous tenses in English use an ‑ing verb. Also, some textbooks only focus on the finished action use and don’t mention the continuing action use of the present perfect, but it is very common and should be taught.

Like almost all grammar rules in English, there are other cases and exceptions to the basic rules mentioned in this post. For example, It has been raining can indicate that the rain recently stopped, which is technically a finished past action. Going over every exception would likely overwhelm your students, though, so I suggest dealing with exceptions on a case‑by‑case basis if they come up in a lesson.

Related

Not an Ellii member?

Get unlimited access to 1,000+ lessons and 3,000+ flashcards.

Sign Up

Comments (9)

Kiyo Takahashi(Guest)

Hi there,

I've been wondering about the following the statement 'I have lived in XXXX' and what it really means.

Is it just me, or do others also get the feeling that it means that the person saying it used to live in 'XXXX' and no longer lives there? Basically, it gives me the same feeling I get from 'I lived in XXXX.'

If someone told me they 'lived in XXXX,' I would instinctively ask them when (and also most probably, if they currently live there).

Interestingly, if a 'for XXXX' was added to the statement, it would instantly give the feeling that the person saying it is still living there.

Any comments or thoughts on this would be greatly appreciated.

Reply to Comment

Tanya Trusler(Author)

Hi Kiyo,

Great question! If you just want to convey where you live now (without a time marker than tells someone how long you've lived there), the simple present is the most natural, common choice.

  • I live in Canada. (most natural choice)
  • I've been living in Canada. (okay choice)
  • I've lived in Canada. (not so natural choice)

I agree that without a time marker, 'I have lived in ___' sounds more like a finished past action. For example, when I listed the places I've lived in my life, I would naturally say:

  • I've lived in Canada, New Zealand, and the Netherlands.

With a time marker, both are possible, though the present perfect progressive is probably a little more common (it's natural to want to emphasize we're still living in that place).

  • I've lived in Canada for 10 years. (correct)
  • I've been living in Canada for 10 years. (correct but slightly more common)

You're correct that the simple past should be used with a past time marker. If not, like you said, someone would probably ask you 'when.'

  • I lived in Canada in 2015.

Hope that helps clear things up a bit! :)

Mary G.(Teacher)

Boss to secretary: ' what have you been doing all morning?
Secretary: l've been typing those letters you told me to type. ( continuing action)
Boss: How many have you typed?
Secretary: l've typed ten already! (Completed action)
Hope this example helps .

Reply to Comment

Log In to Comment Reply

or
Comment Reply as a Guest
  • **bold**_italics_> quote

    This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

    Tanya Trusler(Author)

    Excellent contextual example! Thanks for sharing, Mary.

    Hesam A.(Member)

    Useful, thanks 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

    Reply to Comment

    Najwa H.(Student)

    Thank you so much for this information.

    Reply to Comment

    Tanya Trusler(Author)

    You're welcome, Najwa. I hope it was helpful!

    Vlado Sušac(Guest)

    1.I've lived in Europe for 5 years.
    2. I've been living in Europe for 5 years.

    Shouldn't the difference between the two examples above be in conveying the idea of something permanent (1) and something temporary (2)?
    Moreover, isn't it the case that with longer time periods we prefer the progressive form and the simple for shorter ones (although it may be very relative and depends on the point of speaker's view)?

    Reply to Comment

    Tanya Trusler(Author)

    Hi Vlado,

    The present perfect progressive is more common with shorter time frames (also called the "recent past"), as mentioned in the "Shorter Time Frames" note at the bottom of the first chart and in the first paragraph of the conclusion.

    As for permanent vs. temporary, I don't feel like this would always be accurate. For example, it would be just as natural to say "I've lived in Europe for five years, so I can't believe I'm moving back to Canada tomorrow" as "I've lived in Europe for five years, and I have no plans to leave." Also, it would be natural to say "I've been living in Europe for five years, but I haven't decided how much longer I'll stay here" as well as "I've been living in Europe for five years, and I'm planning to live here for at least five more."

    In my opinion, a better distinction for longer time frames is if the focus is only on the past to the present (use the present perfect) or if you also want to include/emphasize the future (use the present perfect progressive).

    Leave a Comment

    Log In to Comment Reply

    or
    Comment Reply as a Guest
  • **bold**_italics_> quote

    This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

    Thinking of joining Ellii?

    Complete this form to create an account and stay up to date on all the happenings here at Ellii.