2. We use PPC for an activity that has
recently stopped or just stopped.
Normally there are evidences that this
action has been taking place.
3. We also use it for an activity that is still
happening or has just stopped.
4. Finally, we use it for actions repeated
over a period of time.
Debbie is a very good tennis player. She’s
been playing since she was eight.
In this sense we normally use it together
with time expressions such as all day,
lately, recently…
5. When we use PPS, we are
interested in the result and
the fact that the action is
completed.
When we use PPC, we are
interested in the activity
and it’s duration. It doesn’t
matter if it’s finished or not.
6. PP SIMPLE:
To say how much/many
of something we have
done or how many
times:
I’ve drunk to litres of water
this morning
Lisa has written ten letters
today
They’ve played tennis
three times this week
PP CONTINUOUS:
To say how long an
action has lasted for:
I have been learning
English for too long
7. REMEMBER there are some verbs that are
not normally used in the continuous form
(Stative verbs):
I’ve known about it for a long time
8. When we use verbs “live” and “work”,
both verb forms are possible with the
same meaning:
I’ve lived here all my life
I’ve been living here all my life
How long have you been working here?
How long have you worked here?
