Use of the present perfect simple and continuous in English for EFL students.

1. PRESENT PERFECT
SIMPLE AND CONTINUOUS

2. Present perfect simple
use
to talk about events that happened before the present
time. The exact time is not stated because either it is not
known or it is not important.
This event can be a single event:
• I’ve seen the new James Bond film.
• I’ve never eaten sushi.
or it can refer to several events:
• I’ve been to America three times.
• Our teacher has taught in several different countries.

3. to talk about the first/second/third etc time an
action has happened. We are making the
comment in present time. We also use this
pattern + ever after superlatives.
• This is the first time I’ve eaten cheese and jam
together!
• Pierre is the nicest person I’ve ever met.
Present perfect simple
use

4. to talk about a recent event that has a
relevance to the present.
• The taxi’s just arrived. Hurry up!
• Jackie’s had some bad news. She’s really upset.
Present perfect simple
use

5. to talk about an event or events that happened
before the present. The time period in which it
happened hasn’t finished yet. We usually use
time phrases such as this year/today/this
morning.
• I’ve been abroad three times this year.
• Helen has eaten six chocolate bars this morning!
Present perfect simple
use

6. with the words just/yet/already/ever/never
• I’ve just seen Tim. (a moment before the present)
• We’ve already done this exercise. (so we don’t need
to do it again)
• The teacher hasn’t given us the results yet. (but she
will)
• Have you phoned Renee yet? (I know you planned
to)
• Have you ever done a bungee jump? (to emphasize
– in your life)
Present perfect simple
use

7. with stative verbs to talk about something that
began in the past and is continuing at the time
of speaking. This may or may not continue in
the future. We usually use for and since with
this use. For indicates the length of the period.
Since indicates the point of time that the
period began.
• I’ve been here for ten minutes.
• How long have you known Katy?
• My brother’s had his laptop since his birthday.
Present perfect simple
use

8. to talk about an activity that began in the past
and is still continuing at the present time. It
emphasizes the length of time spent on the
activity. For and since are usually used to talk
about the time period.
• I’ve been working on this assignment for two
hours. (and I haven’t finished yet)
• She’s been talking on the phone for at least half an
hour.
Present perfect continuous
use

9. to talk about an activity that started in the
past, continued for a certain period and
finished recently. This activity has a result in
the present.
• I’ve been working out at the gym and I ache all
over!
• What have you been doing? You look very guilty!
Present perfect continuous
use

10. to talk about a repeated action in the recent
past that has a result in the present. The focus
here is not on a single, prolonged activity but a
series of actions. We often use the words a
lot/too much/too many and recently/ lately.
• I’ve been going out a lot recently and I need to
catch up on some sleep!
• Harry’s been buying a lot of things for his car
lately and he’s a bit short of money at the moment.
• I’ve been eating too much recently and I need to
go on a diet!
Present perfect continuous
use

11. Note the difference between the present perfect simple
and present perfect continuous.
The simple form focuses on one or more completed
actions.
• I’ve cleaned the car. It looks really nice.
• I’ve written three letters this morning.
The continuous form focuses on the activity, which
may or may not be completed.
• I’ve been cleaning the car and I’m soaking wet!
• I’ve been writing letters this morning.
Present perfect simple vs continuous

12. • I've been to Spain and Italy. (indefinite time)
• / went to Spain a couple of years ago and I visited
Italy a few times as a child. (specific time)
• Have you had a good holiday? (You have just
returned.)
• Did you have a good holiday? (Your holiday finished
some time before the question.)
• Have you been busy this morning? (It is still the
morning now.)
• Were you busy this morning? (This morning is now
the finished past.)
Present perfect simple vs past simple

13. • She's starred in a lot of major films. (She is still alive
and acting.)
• She starred in a lot of major films. (Her acting career is
finished or she's dead.)
• He's been in the army for fifteen years. (And he is still
in the army now.)
• He was in the army for fifteen years. (But he is no
longer in the army. The time period of fifteen years
finished in the past.)
Present perfect simple vs past simple