Present Perfect

have/has + V3

Present Perfect Continuous

1) Life experience.

I’ve been to Greece twice.

He’s jumped with a parachute many times.

2)Finished actions having results now. Actions that started in the past and have finished by now (+ states that started in the past and continue now)

I’ve painted a picture.

Actions in progress that started in the past and a) have finished by now

I’ve been talking to a friend on the phone.

b) are still in progress.

I’ve been painting all day (no result is stated!).

Present Perfect

Present Perfect Continuous

We focus on

·       the result of the action

I’ve baked a cake! Let’s have some tea.

I’ve bought a nice pair of shoes. Do you think they go well with this dress?

·       the finished action

I’ve finally finished this project.

·       the experience, the number of times the action has been completed

She’s performed there twice.

We focus on

·       the activity itself

We’re not interested in the result:

–        Why is the kitchen in such a mess?

–        I’ve been baking.

It does not matter if the action has been finished:

–        What have you been doing today?

–        I’ve been shopping.

·       the length of time

–        How long have you been playing tennis?

–        For about 2 hours.

ever, never, once/twice/three times, in my life, it’s the first/second/third time, How many times …? etc.

already, yet, just, so far, since…, for…, recently, this week/month/year, etc.

How long…?, for…, since…, all day etc.