The document contrasts the use of the present perfect simple and present perfect continuous tenses in English. It provides examples showing that the present perfect simple is used to indicate a completed action or repeated action, while the present perfect continuous focuses on the continuation or duration of an ongoing action. It also notes some uses related to permanent/temporary situations and focusing on a present result versus an ongoing activity.

1. Present Perfect Simple
vs.
Present Perfect Continuous

2. • Present Perfect Simple
Completion
This country has welcomed several hundred refugees from Kosovo in the
last few weeks.
· Present Perfect Continuous
Continuation
This country has been welcoming political refugees for many years.

3. • Present Perfect Simple
Repeated action
She has played with the symphony orchestra three times this season.
· Present Perfect Continuous
Duration of action
She has been playing with the symphony orchestra all season

4. • Present Perfect Simple
Permanent Situation
People have eaten a lot less meat over the last twenty years or so
· Present Perfect Continuous
Temporary Situation
People have been eating less meat recently because of the crisis

5. • Present Perfect Simple
Focus on present result
I’ve done the accounts – here they are
· Present Perfect Continuous
Focus on the activity
I’ve been doing my accounts all afternoon.

6. • Online Exercises 1
• Online Exercises 2
• Online Exercises 3
• Online Exercises 4