B1- UNIT 5 Present Perfect vs Past Simple

Present Perfect vs. Present continous

Generally speaking, we can say that

But let's study the differences between these two tenses deeply

First of all, let's focus on their structure:

*Present Perfect : subject + have / has + past participle: I've worked a lot . *Present perfect continous: Subject + have / has + past participle of the verb to be (been) + gerund: I've been working a lot.

And now, before learning about the main differencces between these two tenses, let's watch a short video with a conversation where these two tenses are used:

Now let's study these two tenses individualy and let's establish their main differences.

PRESENT PERFECT

USES:

1- We use the Present perfect Simple + the particles for & since to talk about something which started in the past and it is still true now: They've known each other since 2012. (They met ten years ago and they still know each other today)

Mind! In Spanish we use a present simple to express this idea! Se conocen desde(since) 2012. Sometimes, we can translate it by ' llevar + gerund' I've studied English for 3 years. Llevo estudiando inglés desde hace (for) 3 años

don't use the present simple with for & since!

Please, click here to know how to use for & since

2- We use the interrogative pronoun 'How long' with the present perfect and a state verb:

Please, click here if you do not remember what a state / non-action verb is

How long have you had your car?

I've had my car for three years!

The Present Perfect can also be used with never & ever: I have never visited Paris Have you ever eaten sushi? I've been to / I've gone to: It is very important to understand the difference between these two structures. Please, click here to learn about their diference in meaning:

PRESENT PERFECT CONTINUOUS

USES:

1- We use the Present Perfect Continuous with for & since and action verbs to talk about actions which started in the past and are still true now.

How long have been studying English? I've been studying English since 2018 / for three years.

If you do not remember what a action verb is please click here

2- We also use the Present Perfect Continuous for continuous or repeated actions which have been happening very recently. The action has just finished or has a very recent result. I've been jogging (I still have my tracksuit on!)

Don't use the present continious!

SUMMARY

WORK AND LIVEThese two verbs are often used in either the Present Perfect Simple and the Present Perfect Continous with the same meaning: I've lived here since 2019 I've been living here since 2022