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Anonymous Posted 15 years ago
Grammar

Present perfect simple,why?

Hi,

A.You look pale.Are you feeling all right?

B.I'm really tired.I haven't been sleeping recently.

A.Do you mean you have been waking up very early?

B.No,I haven't slept at all for three nights.

My question:Why is it 'have slept' and not 'haven't been sleeping' in the above exchange?I know that for+time can be used with both,is it right?

MY students asked for an explanation and Ineed a good reason to convince them.Please help me.

Thanks.
  

Top answer

Why is it ' have slep t' and not ' haven't been sleeping' in the above exchange? -- Because it refers to the near past ('for 3 nights'), not the ongoing problem itself.

— Mister Micawber

  • Why is it ' have slep t' and not ' haven't been sleeping' in the above exchange?
  • -- Because it refers to the near past ('for 3 nights'), not the ongoing problem itself.
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3 Answers
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Why is it 'have slept' and not 'haven't been sleeping' in the above exchange?-- Because it refers to the near past ('for 3 nights'), not the ongoing problem itself.
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Mister MicawberWhy is it 'have slept' and not 'haven't been sleeping' in the above exchange?-- Because it refers to the near past ('for 3 nights'), not the ongoing problem itself.
se

Is it incorrect to usee the present perfect continuous?What would the meaning be then?

Thanks
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Not incorrect, but just a bit odd, since the past '3 nights' has been mentioned. In that case, the progressive would enhance the speaker's emotion somewhat. It would also make the dialogue more boring.
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