YEAR 5, EOI CARTAGENA

What’s the difference between….?

They have been reading a book about witches

They have read a book about witches

When we use present present perfect continuousperfect continuous, we are

interested in the durationduration of the

action and,usually, this is not finishednot finished.

On the contrary, if we use present perfect simplepresent perfect simple we are more interested in the

resultresult and the action is usually finishedfinished.

What’s the difference between….?• I have done three exercises so far this evening.

• I have been doing exercises since this morning.

• We have visited six countries since we left three months ago.

• We have been travelling for three months.

To express how muchhow much of an activity has been done,

not how long, we use present perfectpresent perfect.

On the other hand, when we only mention only mention how longhow long

the tense is the continuous onecontinuous one.

FINISHED EVENTS CONNECTED WITH PRESENT• Kate’s had a baby

(she’s got a baby now)

• I’ve broken my leg (my leg is broken)

COMPLETION OR ACHIEVEMENT

• At last! I’ve finished!

• Have you done all your homework?

• FINISHED EVENTS WITH EXPRESSIONS OF TIME UP TO NOW (ever, before, never, already, yet, just lately, recently)

Have you ever seen a ghost?

Has the toddler stood on his feet yet?

ORDINAL NUMBERSIt is the first time I’ve tried exotic fruit.

SUPERLATIVEIt’s one of the most interesting books I’ve ever read.

• STARTED IN THE PAST AND STILL GOES ON/ HAS JUST STOPPED

I’ve been keeping some cans in that cupboard. Is that OK?

You look hot. Yes, I’ve been running.

With HOW LONG/ FOR/ SINCE, both are possible. However, present perfect continuous is preferred for shorter temporary actions.

We’ve lived in London since 1980.We’ve been living in London since 1980.We’ve been staying in a hotel for the last month.

• PRESENT PERFECT SIMPLE

Repeated actions + how many times

I’ve played tennis three times this week.

Focus on resultI’ve written 6 reports since

lunchtime.I’ve learnt all the irregular

verbs in English.

• PRESENT PERFECT CONTINUOUS

Repeated actions w/o how many times

I’ve been playing tennis a lot this week.

Focus on the act and duration

I’ve been writing letters all morning.

I’ve been learning irregular verbs all afternoon.