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Anonymous Posted 12 years ago
Grammar

Present Perfect vs. Present Perfect Continuous Tense

I looked at the net and many resources, but i am still unable to differentiate the difference between those two tenses. Some says that Present Perfect Continuous only emphasizes on the duration.

The things that I wanna ask you guys are:

Is it possible for you guys to give me some examples about the issue and then analyze it by presenting the meaning in layman's term?

thanks in advance!
  

Top answer

It is a subtle topic that has been discussed much; I doubt there is a simple explanation available. One of the clearest distinctions is that an action in present perfect may or may not be continuing through the present moment, while the present perfect continuous must indeed be doing so. You can read some of our previous discussions here:

— Mister Micawber

  • It is a subtle topic that has been discussed much; I doubt there is a simple explanation available.
  • One of the clearest distinctions is that an action in present perfect may or may not be continuing through the present moment, while the present perfect continuous must indeed be doing so.
  • You can read some of our previous discussions here:
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5 Answers
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It is a subtle topic that has been discussed much; I doubt there is a simple explanation available. One of the clearest distinctions is that an action in present perfect may or may not be continuing through the present moment, while the present perfect continuous must indeed be doing so.

You can read some of our previous discussions here:




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Mister Micawber One of the clearest distinctions is that an action in present perfect may or may not be continuing through the present moment, while the present perfect continuous must indeed be doing so.
I'm afraid I have to disagree with you there.

A: I must apologise for my appearance. I have been cleaning out the attic.
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fivejedjonI have been cleaning out the attic.
And in AmE, he hasn't finished.
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In BrE the action of the subject of the verb may have finished.

In I have cleaned out the attic, the cleaning out of the attic is explitely complete. In I have been cleaning out the attic, the completion of the cleaning out is not explicitly stated, but is not necessarily not possible.
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fivejedjonIn I have cleaned out the attic, the cleaning out of the attic is explitely complete.
Yes.
fivejedjon In I have been cleaning out the attic, the completion of the cleaning out is not explicitly stated, but is not necessarily not possible.
I think it's weighted the other way in AmE, that is all. Of course, he co
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