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Eire Posted 21 years ago
Grammar

¿ have studied or have been studying ?

A student of mine has asked me if there is any difference between saying:

1. I've been studying English for 5 years.

or

2. I've studied English for 5 years.

I told her that using the continuous tense emphasizes the action happening in a period of time. But I'm not sure about it.

What do you think about it?

Thanks a lot,

Eire.
  

Top answer

Hi, I think you're basically right. Best wishes, Clive

  • Hi, I think you're basically right.
  • Best wishes, Clive
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4 Answers
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Hi,

I think you're basically right.

Best wishes, Clive
0
Eire
A student of mine has asked me if there is any difference between saying:

1. I've been studying English for 5 years.

or

2. I've studied English for 5 years.

I told her that using the continuous tense emphasizes the action happening in a period of time. But I'm not sure about it.What do you think
0
Thanks a lot for your help!

Best,

Eire.
0
Yes.

The use of the continuous form stresses the fact that the person is still taking English courses when s/he talks.It could be followed by something like "but I still find it difficult to master".

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