Learn when to use present perfect tense and when to use present perfect continuous tense for spoken and written English. Learn usage, syntax and examples of both English tenses.

1. Spoken English
Present Perfect Continuous vs Present Perfect Tense
By
Ash Vyas

2. There are Types of Present Tense
•Present Simple Tense
•Present Continuous/Progressive Tense
•Present Perfect Continuous Tense
•Present Perfect Tense

3. We Will Learn
•Present Perfect Continuous Tense
•Present Perfect Tense

4. Present Perfect Continuous Tense
Usage:
To talk about an action which started in the past and it is still going on and will
continue for some more time. The finished action influence the present situation.
Note:
•For time specific reference either ‘since’ or ‘for’ is used in the sentences
*Generally, We use the Present Perfect Progressive to emphasize the duration or continuous course of an
action

5. Present Perfect Continuous Tense Syntax
Positive
Subject + has/have been + verb(ing)
Negative:
Subject + has/have not been + verb(ing)

6. Present Perfect Continuous Tense Examples
Positive sentences: Negative:
She’s been writing emails for 3 hours. I haven't been waiting for long.
I’ve been reading that book since morning. He has not been working in SEO for long.
She has been cooking since 5 o'clock. She has not been studying math for 3 days.
They’ve been living here for 5 years. I haven’t been watching TV since last Christmas

7. Present Perfect Continuous Tense Notes:
•The rules of converting simple verb to Present Continuous tense verb (ing’ form)
applies to Present Perfect Continuous tense as well.
Just a quick reminder:
•We drop ‘e’ in the verbs which has silent –e at the end when we’re converting it
into the –ing verb form.
Example: Come – Coming
PTO

8. •After a short, stressed vowel, the final consonant is doubled. You can also say,
the verb with ‘one vowel + one consonant’ at the end, double the last letter.
Example: Sit – sitting
• The verb ends with –ie; Drop -ie and change -ie to –y
Example: Lie – lying

9. Present Perfect Tense
Usage:
Usage 1: (Most Common)
To talk about an event which started in the past and finished recently.
Example:
•I have just finished writing content about new SEO trends
•We have just seen her at doorstep of conference hall

10. Present Perfect Tense
Usage 2:
A repeated action in an unspecified period between the past and now.
Example:
•We have visited Dubai several times.
•We have eaten at that restaurant twice in the past week.

11. Present Perfect Tense Structure
Positive
Subject + has/have+ past participle of verb
Negative:
Subject + has/have+ not + past participle of verb

12. Present Perfect Tense Examples
Positive sentences: Negative:
I have heard this song before. He has not played this game before.
She has cleaned her kitchen. I have not been to Mexico.
He has written 3 letters already. She has not cleaned the bathroom in a week.
He has finished his presentation. You have not finished your meal yet.

13. Present Perfect Tense Notes:
•You need to memorize the Past Participles. If you don’t know, you may visit to get
the list: http://www.yourdictionary.com/index.php/pdf/articles/170.irregularverblist2.pdf
•The present perfect is used with unspecified periods of time in the past or to
show the passage of time.
•She has finished her project yesterday. (incorrect)
•She has just finished her project.
•(correct because here the action is finished and in recent past, but time of completion is
unknown)

14. Present Perfect Tense Notes:
In some situations, The present perfect tense is used when talking about
experiences from the past, a change or a situation that has happened in the past
but is still continuing today. Specifically the effect of the action continues.
This happens while we are using ‘Action Verbs’
Example:
We have lived in India since 1987 or I have lived in Mexico for 30 years
(The action started in the past, still continue and will be)

15. Present Perfect Tense Notes:
You can use time-related adverbs in the present perfect tense, as long as they
don't refer to a time which is finished. These words include:
Already, just, yet, never, so far, up to now
Example:
•The book came out yesterday, but I have already read it.
•She has just left the building.
•He hasn't finished it yet

16. Present Perfect Continuous Tense vs Present
Perfect
Present Perfect Progressive Present Perfect:
When you want to emphasize Duration. When you want to emphasize result/
effect of an action.
Example: Example:
I have been writing for an hour. I have waited there for 5 hours.

17. Present Perfect Continuous Tense vs Present
Perfect
Present Perfect Progressive Present Perfect:
When you want to emphasize Duration. When you want to emphasize
completion
Example: Example:
I have been working on that project I have finished my project.
for 3 years.

18. Present Perfect Continuous Tense vs Present
Perfect
Present Perfect Progressive Present Perfect:
When you want to emphasize side effects. When you want to emphasize
on Desired Result
Example: Example:
I have been jogging for 3 hours that’s why I have jogged.
I am sweating

19. Present Perfect Continuous Tense vs Present
Perfect
Present Perfect Progressive Present Perfect:
When you want to talk about When you want to talk about
temporary situation/effect. permanent effect.
Example: Example:
Ash has been living in Mexico for a year Ash has lived in India for 10 years
(Temporarily living in Mexico) (Permanently living here)

20. Present Perfect Continuous Tense vs Present
Perfect
Certain verbs are used only with Present Perfect Tense (never use them with
Present Perfect Progressive Tense)
State: be, have (for possession only)
Example: We have been on holiday for two weeks.
Senses: feel, hear, see, smell, taste, touch
Example: He has touched the painting.
Brain work: believe, know, think, understand
Example: I have known him for 3 years.

21. Any Questions?
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