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Whatchadoin Posted 14 years ago
Grammar

Present continuous or present perfect continuous

Hi;

What tense should I use when an action is still in process but started in the past? Should I use present continuous or present perfect continuous? Can the two be used interchangeably sometimes? I'll give you a couple of examples.
I'm trying to change.
I've been trying to change.

What's the difference between them?

Thanks.
  

Top answer

whatchadoin Hi;What tense should I use when an action is still in process but started in the past? Should I use present continuous or present perfect continuous? Can the two be used interchangeably sometimes?

— Canadian45

  • whatchadoin Hi;What tense should I use when an action is still in process but started in the past?
  • Should I use present continuous or present perfect continuous?
  • Can the two be used interchangeably sometimes?
  • yes often ------------------ I'm trying to change.
  • I've been trying to change.
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4 Answers
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whatchadoinHi;What tense should I use when an action is still in process but started in the past? Should I use present continuous or present perfect continuous? Can the two be used interchangeably sometimes? yes often
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I'm trying to change.
I've been trying to change.
What's the difference between them? They have the same m
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How do you, as a native speaker, decide which tense you'll use when an action is still in process?
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They are not fully interchangeable. They both represent Imperfect Aspect, but while Perfect Continuous describes durations as they are, Continuous is responsible only for every moment of such duration. It's like opposing a line to every point it consists of. But that's tricky, most natives don't get into it, hence interchangeability.
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whatchadoinHow do you, as a native speaker, decide which tense you'll use when an action is still in process?
The word "still" in the above question is significant, as it indicates an ongoing process.

Let's go back to your original sentences. They both mean that you are trying to change.

"I'm trying
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