Present Perfect Simple and Present Perfect Continuous

Exercises

Explanation

1. Form

Present Perfect Simple: have / has + past participle (V3)

• I have visited that exhibition.

• She has written three reports today.

Present Perfect Continuous: have / has + been + verb-ing

• I have been visiting different exhibitions this month.

• She has been writing reports all afternoon.

2. Key Difference: Result vs Process

Present Perfect Simple → Focus on the result or outcome

We use this tense when the final product, achievement, or completed action matters more than the activity itself.

• You’ve organised your desk — it looks much neater now.

• He has painted the door, so it finally closes properly.

• I’ve tried that restaurant before.

Present Perfect Continuous → Focus on the activity or duration

This tense highlights the ongoing nature of the action, the effort involved, or the fact that it is not yet finished.

• I’ve been organising my desk — that’s why everything is scattered around.

• She has been painting the door for most of the morning.

• They’ve been trying new recipes all evening.

3. “How many?” vs “How long?”

Present Perfect Simple → “How many?” (completed actions)

• She has written six messages today.

• I’ve read three chapters already.

Present Perfect Continuous → “How long?” (duration)

• She has been writing messages since breakfast.

• I’ve been reading that book for hours.

4. Completed or Still Continuing?

Present Perfect Simple → Often used for finished actions

• I’ve booked the tickets.

• They’ve cleaned the balcony.

Present Perfect Continuous → Often used for actions still in progress

• I’ve been booking tickets all morning. (Maybe not finished.)

• They’ve been cleaning the balcony since lunchtime. (Still happening.)

5. Evidence of Recent Activity (Continuous)

Use the Present Perfect Continuous when physical signs show that something has been happening:

• Your shoes are muddy. Have you been walking in the park?

• He’s exhausted — he’s been carrying heavy boxes.

• The kitchen smells amazing. Have they been baking?

6. Ongoing States vs Ongoing Actions

Present Perfect Simple → States (verbs like know, like, have, live)

Often used with for, since, how long to show how long a state has existed.

• How long have you known Tom?

• I’ve known him since 2019.

• We’ve lived in this town for eight years.

Present Perfect Continuous → Actions (repeated or continuous)

Also used with for, since, how long but for activities or habits.

• How long have they been rehearsing?

• They’ve been rehearsing for two hours.

• They’ve been rehearsing every weekday since September.

7. Temporary Situations (Continuous)

The Present Perfect Continuous commonly describes temporary habits or short-term arrangements:

• My office is being renovated, so I’ve been working from home this week.

• I’ve been taking the bus lately because my bike needs repairs.