Difference between Present perfect tense and present perfect continuous tense
When an action is completed just but its effects are present now then present perfect tense will be used. Present perfect continuous tense is applied for certain actions which have already started before and is continuing still for specific time. To understand the correct usage of these two tenses we must study differences between them. We will discuss the differences related to formation and application of these two tenses.
Formation of two tenses:
Present perfect tense:
Subject+ have/has+ verb 3rd form+ object and other words.
Ex.
I have just left my room.
Present perfect continuous tense:
Subject+ have/has+ been+ verb-ing+ object and other words.
Ex.
It has been raining since morning.
For some specific verbs like believe, know, like, dislike, understand, own, belong etc. present perfect tense will be used.
Adverbs associated with present perfect tense for mentioning definite time which are now, since, just, already, not yet, recently, lately, today, up to now, this week, up to the present etc.
The verbs in present perfect tense cannot be modified by the past forms of verbs.
Ex.
He has come here yesterday. (incorrect)
He came here yesterday. (correct)
Differences of using the two tenses:
i) Present perfect tense is applicable for completed actions whereas present perfect continuous tense is used for continued actions of present time.
Ex.
We have played in the final match. (present perfect tense)
The child has been crying since morning. (present perfect continuous)
ii) Present perfect tense refers permanent actions while present perfect continuous tense describes the temporary actions through progressive mode.
Ex.
I have taught children for 5 years. (present perfect)
He has been teaching English for five years in this school. (present perfect continuous)
iii) Present perfect tense explains the results of certain actions but present perfect continuous tense mentions time duration of actions.
Ex.
He has taken the class. (present perfect)
He has been taking the class for two hours. (present perfect continuous)
iv) Present perfect tense gives the answers of how many and how much but present perfect continuous tense indicates how long an action is happening in the present.
Ex.
It has taken two days to finish this book. (present perfect)
He has been studying for two hours. (present perfect continuous)
FAQs:
1.) When do we use present perfect tense and present perfect continuous tense?
Answer. We use present perfect tense for referring the actions which have just finished or completed. Present perfect continuous tense is applied for progressive actions of present which is continuing now.
2.) Will time adverbs be used with the two tenses?
Answer. Time expressing adverbs will be used with present perfect tense and present perfect continuous tense for mentioning the definite time.
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