Both tenses are used to express that an action began in the past and is still going on

or has
just finished. In many cases, both are correct, but there is often a difference in

HAVE / HAS + PAST PARTICIPLE

HAVE / HAS + BEEN + -ING

It emphasizes RESULT
I have written 5 letters.

It emphasizes DURATION
I have been writing for an hour.

It emphasizes COMPLETION.
I have done my homework.

It emphasizes CONTINUOUS
COURSE
of an action. (How time is spent?)
I have been doing my homework.

It expresses that the action is

permanent. (Non-progressive
verbs)
James has lived in London for 10
years.

It also expresses that the action is

temporary.
James has been living here for a year.
To express the action had an unwanted
side effect.
- Why are you so wet?
- Ive been washing the car.

To express that a completed action

led
to a desired result.
I have washed the car.

HOW MANY TIMES?

once, twice, three times,
What?
How often?

HOW LONG?
since / for
all (day, week, morning)
the whole (day, week, night)

Choose the correct tenses.

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.

She has believed / has been believing in ghosts since she was a child.
How long have you saved / have you been saving up for a new car?
I have looked / have been looking for my keys all the morning I cant find them!
Hes a famous author. He has written / has been writing five novels.
Carol has phoned / has been phoning me four times today!
How long have you stood / have you been standing there?
Craig has liked / has been liking her for a long time.
She has talked / has been talking to that boy for over two hours.

Put the verbs into the Present Perfect Continuous.

1. I _________________________________________________ (wait) for you since two o'clock.
2. Mary ______________________________________________ (live) in Germany since 1992.
3. Why is he so tired? He _____________________________________ (play) tennis for five hours.
4. How long ________________________________________________ (you, learn) English?
5. We _______________________________________ (look for) the motorway for more than an hour.
6.

- How long _____________________________________________ (she, work) in the garden?

She _________________________________________ (work) in the garden for more than an hour.

Complete with the verbs below. Use the Present Perfect Continuous.
wait snow not work search wear watch listen lie
1.

The agents _____________________________________ for the enemy spy for months.

2.

Janet _________________________________________________ dresses all month.

3.

John _______________________________________ very hard lately. Hes been lazy.

4.

It _____________________________________________ all day.

5.

Tom __________________________________________ to classical music all morning.

6.

________________ you _____________________________ films since the morning?

7.

Youre late! I ____________________________________________ for you for ages.

8.

I __________________________________________ on the beach the whole day.

Put the verbs into the Present Perfect Simple or Present Perfect Continuous.
A: ___________________________________________ (you, take) the dog for a walk yet?
B: I ______________________________ (work) all day. I ________________________________ (just, come)
home
from work and I ____________________________ (not have) the time yet to walk the dog.
A: How long ______________________________________________ (the dog, be) home alone?
B: For about 6 hours. You _________________________________ (not walk) the dog for
a long time. Don't you want to go?
A: Well, I _____________________________________ (not laze) about all day either, you know. I have a
very
important meeting tomorrow and I still _______________________________ (not finish) my
presentation.
B: Okay, I will go then. Where ________________________________________ (you, put) collar and leash?
A: They are in the kitchen. By the way, ______________________________________ (you, eat) anything
yet?
If not, could you get us something from the market?