Grammar FocusPresent Perfect Simple & Progressive

The usage of present perfect simple

I have played basketball for 3 years.

Describe REGULAR ACTION in the past up to now

I have studied Spanish for 2 years.

I have worked hard all my life.

I have had lasagna for breakfast. [Now, I feel very full]

Describe the COMPLETED activity with a RESULT

What have I done? [Lasagna is all gone]

Describe an EXPERIENCE in life. Time of the event is not important.

I have been to London.

I have known my best friend all my life.

Describe STATES which started in the past and continue up to now

I have owned this house for a decade.

You have always been on my mind.

The usage of present perfect progressive

I have been sleeping all day.

Focus on the ACTIVITY. The result is not important.

It can be used with repeated, longer activities

I have been driving for hours. I think I’m lost.

I have been calling her all morning.

What are the similarity and the difference?

Compare: Present Perfect

Use either for habitual actions [live, study, teach, wear, work] that began in the past and continue up to the present.

1) I have lived in Thailand for 5 years.

2) I have been living in Thailand for 5 years.

*Progressive is preferred in this case*

•Simple

•Focus on the completion of action

•I have done my homework.

•Progressive

•Focus on the unfinished action

•I have been doing my homework all day.

Contrast: Present Perfect

Difference in meaning

Present Perfect Simple

What have you done today? = What have you achieved? [Focus on the completion of an

activity]

Present Perfect Progressive

What have you been doing today? = What kinds of things? [Focus on activities]

Contrast: Present Perfect

•Simple

• Used with Stative Verb [be, know, believe, have...]

•I have been here for a year.

•Progressive

•NOT used with Stative Verb

•I have been owning this car.

•I have been using this car for a while.

Avoid Common Mistakes

Remember to put “been” in the present perfect progressive

Thai society has been changing over decades.