PRESENT PERFECT SIMPLE

We use the Present Perfect Simple to say that a finished action or event is connected with the present in some way:

I can't go on holiday because I've broken my leg.

Mary has had a baby.

We often use it to express the idea of completion  or achievement.

At last! I've finished!

Have you done all the housework

We normally use the Present Perfect Simple to announce news of recent events.

 After announcing news, we normally use past simple to give more details.

Uncle Keith has crashed the car again.

He ran into a tree in Chestnut street

We use it to make emphasis on repetition up to now:

How often have you been in love in your life?

I've written 10 e-mails since lunchtime.

I've sometimes thought of moving to Scotland.

Time words we use with Present Perfect:

ever, before, recently, just, never, already, yet.

(at some/any time up to now)

Finished time words are not used with Present Perfect:

yesterday, last week, then, when, three years ago, in 1980.

PRESENT PERFECT CONTINUOUS

We use present perfect continuous when we look back over actions and situations which started in the past and are still going on.

I've been working very hard recently.

It's been raining all day. I'm tired of it.

Jamie has been watching TV non-stop since breakfast.

The situation or action may have just stopped but there are present results (or side-effects):

You look hot.

Yes, I've been playing tennis.

Your hands are filthy!

I know, I've been gardening

SIMPLE OR CONTINUOUS?

Both tenses are used to express that an action began in the past and is still going on or has just finished. In most cases, both forms are correct , but there is often a difference in meaning.

l      Present Perfect Simple. The emphasis is on the result.

l      Present Perfect Continuous. The emphasis is  on the duration or continuous course of the action.

I have written 5 letters (RESULT)

I've been writing for an hour (DURATION)

I've done my homework (COMPLETION)

I've been doing my homework (DURATION)

I've washed the car (DESIRED RESULT)

- Why are you so wet?

- I've been washing the car (UNWANTED SIDE-EFFECT)

REMEMBER!

We do not use Present Perfect Continuous with NON-ACTION VERBS:

How long have you had your car?

I've had it since 1999

I've known my friend Sue for 20 years.

WORK AND LIVE are used in either present perfect simple or present perfect continuous with the same meaning.

I've been living here since I was 29.

I’ve lived here since I was 29.