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Insano Posted 15 years ago
Grammar

Present Continuous vs Present Perfect Continuous

Hello.

I've a question regarding the Present Perfect Continuous/Present Continuous.

As far I know the Present Continuous may be used to describe longer actions in progress now. "Now" doesn't have to mean this exact second, it can mean for example "this month". Am I right?

A sample situation:

I'm having lunch with my friend and I say:

"I'm reading an interesting book".

1. Is there a major difference between this sentence and "I've been reading an interesting book"
2. Can I add "this month" time expression to these sentences ?

Regards,
insano
  

Top answer

insano 1. Is there a major difference between this sentence and "I've been reading an interesting book" 2. Can I add "this month" time expression to these sentences ?

— CalifJim

  • insano 1.
  • Is there a major difference between this sentence and "I've been reading an interesting book" 2.
  • Can I add "this month" time expression to these sentences ?
  • 1.
  • No.
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3 Answers
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insano1. Is there a major difference between this sentence and "I've been reading an interesting book"
2. Can I add "this month" time expression to these sentences ?
1. No. Nothing major.
2. Yes. "this month" includes the time of utterance, so that's fine.

CJ
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Great, thanks! I assume that there exist some minor differences - could you tell me something more about them?

Regards,
inasno
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insanoI assume that there exist some minor differences - could you tell me something more about them?
It's only a slight difference in the focus. The present focuses on a range of time around the present. The present perfect focuses on a range of time before the present.

Where X is the present moment:

....................[ X
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