Present Perfect Continuous

Present Forms

Present Simple

a) Permanent situation or state

She works as a nurse.

She owns a large shop.

b) Repeated / habitual actions (especially with frequency adverbs: often, usually etc.)

I usually get up at 7.30

b) Permanent truths or laws of nature

Money doesn`t buy happiness.

Water freezes at 0°C.

d) Timetables / programmes (future meaning)

The match finishes at 7.45.

The plane leaves at 6.50.

e) Reviews / sports commentaries / dramatic narrative

Meryl Streep acts brilliantly in this film.

Present Continuous

a) Temporary situations

They’re staying at the Park Hotel at present.

b) Actions happening at or around the moment of speaking.

She is looking for a better job.

c) Repeated actions with “always” expressing annoyance or criticism

She’ s always interrupting me!

d) Fixed arrangements in the near future

The Browns are visiting us tonight.

(It’s all arranged)

e) Changing or developing situations

His English is getting better.

Present Perfect

a) Recently completed actions

She has tided her room (She has finished tidying her room. You can see it is tidy now. – evidence in the present).

b) Actions which happened at an unstated past time and are connected with the present

He has lost his keys. (He is still looking for them).

c) Personal experiences / changes which have happened

I’ ve lost 10 kilos.

d) Emphasis on number

She’ s written three letters since morning.

She has called on two clients since 12 o’clock.

Present Perfect Continuous

a) Actions started in the past and continuing up to the present

He’s been writing a letter for two hours. (He started two hours ago and he’s still writing it).

b) Past actions of certain duration having visible results or effects in the present.

She’ s been crying (Her eyes are red.)

c) Actions expressing anger, irritation, annoyance, explanation or criticism.

Who has been using my toothbrush? (annoyance)

d) Emphasis on duration (usually with for, since or how long)

She’ s been calling on clients since this morning.

Note: live, feel and work can be used either in the Present Perfect or the Present Perfect Continuous with no difference in meaning

I’ve been living / I’ve lived in Rome for a year.

Time expressions used with:

Present Simple every day / week / month / year, usually, often, always, rarely,

never, sometimes, in the morning / evening / afternoon,

at night, on Monday etc.

Present Continuous now, at the moment, at present, nowadays, today, tonight,

always, still etc.

Present Perfect just, ever, never, yet (negation and questions), always, already,

.how long, so far, recently, since (= from a starting point in the

past), for (= over a period of time), today, this week / month..., …....................................before? It's the first time......., It's the best/most beautiful …....................................place..........

Present Perfect Continuous how long, for, since