Both tenses are used to express that an action began in the past and is still going
on or has just finished. In many cases, both forms are correct, but there is often a
difference in meaning:
We use the Present Perfect Simple mainly to express that an action is completed
or to emphasise the result.
We use the Present Perfect Continuous to emphasise the duration or continuous
course of an action.
Do you want to express what has happened so far or how long an action has been
going on yet?
Present Perfect Simple Present Perfect Progressive
Result (what / how much / how often)
I have written 5 letters. / I have been to London twice.
Duration (how long)
I have been writing lettes for an hours.
The following verbs are usually only used in Present Perfect Simple (not in the
progressive form).
state: be, have (for possession only)
Example: We have been on holiday for two weeks.
senses: feel, hear, see, smell, taste, touch
Example: He has touched the painting.
brain work: believe, know, think, understand
Example: I have known him for three years
Emphasis on completion or duration?
Do you want to emphasise the completion of an action or its continuous
course (how has somebody spent his time)?
Present Perfect Simple Present Perfect Progressive
