Pre-Intermediate Unit 11
Pre-Intermediate · Grammar Reference
Unit 11 — Perfect Aspect
present perfect simple vs continuous · state verbs
11.1   Present Perfect Simple and Continuous
Present Perfect Simple

have / has + past participle

I've written three reports today.
Present Perfect Continuous

have / has been + verb-ing

I've been writing reports all morning.
Present Perfect SimplePresent Perfect Continuous
Focuses on a completed resultFocuses on the activity / duration
I've read the book. (finished)I've been reading all day. (activity)
Used with already, just, yet, ever, neverUsed with for, since, how long, lately, recently
Emphasises how much / how manyEmphasises how long
📌 Note
State verbs (know, want, like, believe…) use the Simple, not Continuous:
I've known her for years. (not I've been knowing)