Present Perfect & Present Perfect Continuous

Present Perfect

and

Present Perfect Continuous

Focuses on the activity

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I've been gardening. It's so nice out there.

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​Present Perfect Continuous

Focuses on the result

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You've cleaned the bathroom! It looks lovely!​

Present Perfect

Difference

​Says 'how long'

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She's been reading that book all day.

Present Perfect Continuous

​Present Perfect

Difference

Says 'how many'​

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She's read ten books this summer.

Describes an activity that may continue

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I've been writing emails.

Present Perfect Continuous​

Describes a completed action

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I've written you an email. 

Present Perfect

Difference

to talk about ongoing single/repeated actions​

How long have they been playing tennis?

They've been playing tennis for an hour.

They've been playing tennis every Sunday for years.​

Present Perfect Continuous

to talk about ongoing states​

How long have you known each other?

We've known each other since we were at school.

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​Present Perfect

We often use for, since, and how long with

Present Perfect Continuous

When we can see evidence of recent activity

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The grass looks wet. Has it been raining?

I know, I'm really red. I've been running!

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Present Perfect Continuous

Sometimes the PPC can emphasize that a situation is temporary​

I usually go to the gym on the High Street, but it's closed for repairs at the moment so I've been going to the one in the shopping centre. 

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