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Present Perfect vs. Present Perfect Progressive vs. Past SimpleUsage Present perfect simple refers to or is used:
We've missed the turning. I've just seen a ghost!
Jim has had three car accidents. (up to the present)
I've twisted my ankle. (that's why I'm limping)
I've lived here for the past ten years.
I've been sick every morning for the last month.
They've been to Chile three times.
This is the first time he's been late.
I’ve never met anyone who can run as fast as this. I have yet to meet anyone who can run as fast as this.
I reckon Gloria's been held up in traffic.
He sounds as if he has run all the way here.
They've made it! (= They've succeeded) I've had enough. (= I'm fed up. I don't want to do any more) You've had it! (= You're in trouble) That's torn it! (= You, we, etc. have done something that someone else will complain strongly about) Now you've done it! (= You've done something seriously wrong) She's arrived. (= She's achieved fame, success, acceptance, etc. at last) He's lost it. (= He's lost his patience or self-control) You've got me there! (= Good point: I've no idea what the solution is)
Contrast with past simple:
I’ve bought a new car. (indefinite) I bought the car after all. (implied definite: the car we talked about)
When did you arrive in Britain? How long have you been in Britain?
I stayed with my grandparents for six months. (= I am no longer staying there) 'He spent some time in Paris when he was younger.' 'How long did he live there?'
Scientists have discovered that, all over the world, millions of frogs and toads are dying. Chinese craftsmen invented both paper and printing.
The research is now complete and the experiment was (or has been) a success.
Timson has made 13 films and I think her latest is the best, and Timson made 13 films before she was tragically killed in a car accident.
the past simple is used to give the details. A teacher from Oslo has become the first woman to cross the Antarctic alone. It took her 42 days to make the crossing with her dog team...
Since Mr Hassan became president, both taxes and unemployment have increased. I haven't been able to play tennis since I broke my arm.
Since I've lived here, I haven't seen my neighbours.
Past simple: referring to a specific finished time (yesterday, last week, on Sunday, just now). Present perfect: with 'indefinite' time expressions meaning 'up to now' (since 1968, already, just, so far).
I haven't seen Helen recently. I saw Jim recently.
I've left my wallet in the car. I'm going back to get it. Here the speaker may be about to return, and feels that the event is connected with the present. I left my wallet in the car. I'm going back to get it. The speaker may feel separated in time from the event, or be further away.
Present perfect continuous (progressive) refers to or is used:
I've been waiting for you for three hours!
I've been cleaning the house but I still haven't finished.
I've been writing letters all morning.
I've been running. That's why I look hot.
I've been taking French lessons this year.
I've been thinking of changing my job. I've been meaning to get in touch with Helen.
Contrast with present perfect simple:
How long have you lived here? How long have you been living here?
I've ironed five shirts this morning. Completed: emphasis on achievement I've been ironing my shirts this morning. Incomplete, or recently completed: emphasis on duration
I have always admired Chester's work.
'Where's Dr Owen's office?' 'Sorry, I don't know. I've only worked / I've only been working here for a couple of days.'
The pollution problem has been getting worse over the last decade.
Prices have decreased by 7%. (= in a period up to now) Practice Date: 2015-12-17; view: 1890
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