Present perfect and present perfect progressive 1

1. PRESENT PERFECT AND
PRESENT PERFECT
PROGRESSIVE
Grammar Explanation

2. THE PRESENT PERFECT AND PRESENT PERFECT
PROGRESSIVE ARE USED WITH “FOR” OR “SINCE” FOR A
TIME FROM THE PAST UNTIL NOW.
• I have had an email account since the 1980s
• I have been using email for almost 40 years.

3. PRESENT PERFECT AND PRESENT PERFECT
PROGRESSIVE CONNECT THE PAST WITH THE
PRESENT.
Explanation Examples
The present perfect and present perfect
progressive have the same meaning in
sentences with for or since:
• I’ve had a driver’s license for ten years.
• I’ve had a driver’s license since 2012.
• Ms. Agard has taught English since 1971.
• She has been teaching English for more
than fifty years.

4. I HAVE HAD A DRIVER’S LICENSE FOR TEN YEARS.
Past X X future
now

5. WITHOUT FOR OR SINCE, PRESENT PERFECT
AND PRESENT PERFECT PROGRESSIVE HAVE
DIFFERENT MEANINGS.
Explanation Examples
Present perfect with no for or since is
for an action that is finished in the
past.
The meaning is the same as the simple
past.
I have finished high school.
=
I finished high school.

6. I HAVE FINISHED HIGH SCHOOL.
Past X future
now

7. WITHOUT FOR OR SINCE, PRESENT PERFECT
AND PRESENT PERFECT PROGRESSIVE HAVE
DIFFERENT MEANINGS.
Explanation Examples
Present perfect with no for or since
can also be a repeated action in the
past that is likely or possible in the
future.
The meaning is the same as simple
past, but if I use the simple past I
mean that it will not happen again.
I have tried to call him four times.
(I will try to call him again.)
I tried to call him four times.
(I won’t try to call him again.)

8. I HAVE TRIED TO CALL HIM FOUR TIMES.
I TRIED TO CALL HIM FOUR TIMES.
Past X future
now

9. WITHOUT FOR OR SINCE, PRESENT PERFECT
AND PAST PERFECT PROGRESSIVE HAVE
DIFFERENT MEANINGS.
Explanation Examples
Present perfect progressive is for an
action that began in the past and is
still going on now, or was finished just
recently.
BE CAREFUL! Don’t use present perfect
progressive for a repeated action.
I have been doing my homework.
**I have been calling him for many
times.

10. I HAVE BEEN DOING MY HOMEWORK.
Past X X future
now

11. STATIVE VERBS CANNOT BE USED IN ANY
PROGRESSIVE FORM.
Explanation Examples
With a stative verb, use the present
perfect.
With these verbs, do not use the
present perfect progressive.
I have been in the U.S. for five years.
I have not understood this chapter.
** I have been being in the U.S. for five
years.
** I have not been understanding this
chapter.