Present Perfect Continuous vs Present Perfect Simple for duration from the past up until now.

Question

Dear teachers, is there any difference between Present Perfect Continuous and Present Perfect Simple when we want to show that something started in the past and has continued up until now?

Examples:

I have been living here for ten years.
I have lived here for ten years.

I have been smoking for ten years.
I have smoked for ten years.

Thanks!

AlpheccaStars · Accepted Answer

There is no difference in your examples.

Anonymous · Answer

Is there a preferable form or they are equally common?

CalifJim · Answer

AnonymousIs there a preferable form or they are equally common?

I think in the two cases you mentioned I'd use the continuous forms, but that doesn't necessarily mean that the continuous form is preferable to most people all the time.

The simple forms tend to sound more final. Stylistically, they are a little like having the final word on the topic. The continuous forms can sound as if there is still more that the speaker is going to talk about. Or maybe that's just my personal view of it.

— Have you lived here long?
— I've lived here for ten years. (Final answer.)

— Do you like where you live?
— Yes, I do. Very much. I've been living here for ten years (Just starting to talk about this topic), and I have never had any problems. The neighbors are very friendly, and I like the fact that it's so close to shopping areas. ...

Caution: This is not a rule. You can substitute between continuous and simple in the examples above. I'm just showing you how I might use them.

CJ

Anonymous · Answer

Thanks CJ, that was useful !

Present Perfect Continuous vs Present Perfect Simple for duration from the past up until now.

Top answer

Get the Weekly English Kit 📬

Related Questions