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English 1b3 Posted 16 years ago
Grammar

Present perfect vs present perfect continuous

We use the Present Perfect Continuous to show that something started in the past and has continued up until now.

But I'm also aware that the present perfect can be used in the same way.

So how do we know which to use?

For instance, don't both of these express that the noticing began in the past and continued up to the present? Or could we argue that 'have noticed' could express either a single act of noticing or a continued act of noticing up to the present?

a. I have noticed there is less food in the fridge.

b. I have been noticing there is less food in the fridge.



Thank you
  

Top answer

Hi English Ib3 I can't answer your question, but doesn't past simple sound better with your sentences? I noticed that there's less food in the fridge. Tom

— Mr. Tom

  • Hi English Ib3 I can't answer your question, but doesn't past simple sound better with your sentences?
  • I noticed that there's less food in the fridge.
  • Tom
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3 Answers
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Hi English Ib3

I can't answer your question, but doesn't past simple sound better with your sentences? Emotion: rolleyes

I
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English 1b3 a. I have noticed there is less food in the fridge.
b. I have been noticing there is less food in the fridge.
a. Single act of noticing.
b. Multiple acts of noticing.

Of the two, a. seems more usual to me, in terms of the meaning of the whole sentence.

CJ
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CalifJimb. I have been noticing there is less food in the fridge.
a. Single act of noticing.
b. Multiple acts of noticing.


Thanks. We know the present perfect can express an action that continues up to the present. So why doesn't it here?
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