Is there a difference in meaning between the sentences?

Question

I have lived in London for the past ten years.I have been living in London for the past ten years.Is there a difference in meaning between the sentences?Thanks.

GPY · Accepted Answer

Not that I detect.

For recent or short-term behaviour, "I have been ~ing" may be preferred; for example, you would normally say "I have been staying in London for the past week", not "I have stayed in London for the past week". This doesn't apply in your case though.

Vsuresh · Answer

I have lived in London for the past ten years. You refer to the time until now. Here the emphasis is on something happened till this moment.

I have been living in London for the past ten years. ...for ten years now sounds better

You refer to the time from the past to the present moment. Here the emphasis is on something that started in the past is still continuing, and that is why the change made sounds better here.

GPY · Answer

vsureshI have lived in London for the past ten years. You refer to the time until now. Here the emphasis is on something happened till this moment.

Both sentences refer to time until now.

vsureshI have been living in London for the past ten years. ...for ten years now sounds better

I don't really agree. Both "... for the past ten years" and "... for ten years now" are correct English. The second has a faintly different nuance. Without further information, there is no obvious reason to want to change the first to the second.

Vsuresh · Answer

GPYBoth sentences refer to time until now.

Hi GPY
I have mentioned it under both of the sentences.

And, the idea that have been verb + ing suits better for a recently started action is something I had not known at all and it sounds better. Thank you.

I have guessed the reason for it. Please share your views.
Does a continuous form for a long action sounds a little unidiomatic or unnatural?

GPY · Answer

vsureshHi GPYI have mentioned it under both of the sentences.And, the idea that have been verb + ing suits better for a recently started action is something I had not known at all and it sounds better. Thank you.I have guessed the reason for it. Please share your views. Does a continuous form for a long action sounds a little unidiomatic or unnatural?

When referring to recent continuous activity, the present perfect continuous form is often used. For example, "I have been working all morning" is more usual than "I have worked all morning". However, this doesn't mean that the continuous form cannot be used for long-term activity in conjunction with a long-term time reference such as "for the past ten years". I do not see anything unnatural or unidiomatic about "I have been living in London for the past ten years".

Ozzourti · Answer

tamguatlayIs there a difference in meaning between the sentences?

In the absence of further context, both tell me the same thing.

Is there a difference in meaning between the sentences?

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