The usage of verb "use" in present perfect continuous and present perfect simple

Question

HelloI have a problem to understand in the usage of verb "use" in different circumstances. What are the rules? Please look at this two examples and explain me the difference:1. How long have you been coming to this school?2. How long have you used this book?In both sentences there is "how long". Why in the second one is present perfect simple?Second problem:http://www.essentialdayspa.com/forum/viewthread.php?tid=24106In this article is headline: "Eyelash Tints/Dyes: How long have you used them? Swiss opar?"but in this article: http://www.mahalo.com/answers/technology-and-internet/how-long-have-you- been-using-the-internet-for-communication-1"How long have you been using the Internet for communication?"What is the difference?Thanks for helpMartin Sobota, teacher for Slovakia

Cool Breeze · Accepted Answer

There are many situations and contexts in which the continuous tense is optional.

Anonymous1. How long have you been coming to this school?

Come isn't a good verb. You could say:
How long have you been attending this school? / How long have you attended this school?
AnonymousHow long have you used this book?

Fine. Or: How long have you been using this book?
In many languages there are lots of ways of saying more or less the same thing. There may or may not be minor nuances. As far as English is concerned, there often is a fixed phrase for a given situation - but there may be other ways to make yourself understood, too!

CBV

The usage of verb "use" in present perfect continuous and present perfect simple

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