40 questions to master the distinction between Present Perfect (I have done) and Present Perfect Continuous (I have been doing), covering results vs processes, stative verbs, and contextual nuance.
Choose between the Present Perfect (I have done) and the Present Perfect Continuous (I have been doing). Use the Present Perfect when the action is complete and the result matters. Use the Present Perfect Continuous when the focus is on the ongoing process, effort, or duration.
| Present Perfect (result) | Present Perfect Continuous (process) |
|---|---|
| I've painted the wall. (it's done) | I've been painting. (I'm still covered in paint) |
| She's written the novel. (it's published) | She's been writing the novel for 2 years. (still in progress) |
| He's fixed the car. (it works now) | He's been fixing the car all day. (effort, duration) |
| We've eaten. (we're not hungry) | We've been eating for an hour. (long meal, ongoing) |
| They've built a bridge. (completed project) | They've been building a bridge since last year. (still under construction) |
| Category | Stative verbs | Correct form |
|---|---|---|
| Emotions | love, hate, like, prefer, want, wish | I have always loved jazz. ✅ |
| Mental states | know, believe, understand, think (opinion), remember, forget | She has known him for years. ✅ |
| Senses | see, hear, smell, taste, feel (perception) | It has tasted strange all day. ✅ |
| Possession | have (possess), own, belong, contain | He has owned this flat since 2015. ✅ |
| Other states | seem, appear, need, depend, consist | This has always seemed odd to me. ✅ |