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Nsfs2 Posted 13 years ago
Grammar

Present perfect simple and continuous

Hi,

1.'For the last three weeks I have read a story by William Golding.'
2.'For the the last three weeks I have been reading a story by William Golding.'

When using an expression of time, like 'since, for,etc' both the present perfect simple and continuous show an action that started in the past and continuous to the present or has stopped.

It seems that according to that the above sentences should have the same meaning.Or ,at least,that's what I think.

My students always face me with similar sentences and they want definite answers.So I need your help, please.

Thanks.
  

Top answer

Hello - a native English speaker would use No 2, which expresses an action which takes place over a period of time. Expression No 1 would not be used in this context, as it implies a 'one off' or single act. "

— Anonymous

  • Hello - a native English speaker would use No 2, which expresses an action which takes place over a period of time.
  • Expression No 1 would not be used in this context, as it implies a 'one off' or single act.
  • "
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3 Answers
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Hello - a native English speaker would use No 2, which expresses an action which takes place over a period of time. Expression No 1 would not be used in this context, as it implies a 'one off' or single act. One might say "I have read a story by....", but not "For the last 3 weeks, I have read a story..."
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nsfs2....1.'For the last three weeks I have read a story by William Golding.'
2.'For the the last three weeks I have been reading a story by William Golding.'
# 2 has a clear meaning.

#1 neeeds some help.
example... 'For the last three weeks I have read a new story by William Golding every day.'
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nsfs2My students always ... want definite answers.
Isn't that just like students everywhere? What a nuisance!
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