Present Perfect vs Present Perfect Progressive

 We usually use the Present Perfect to say that something ocured in the past. When we use the present perfect we focus on the result f the action. Remember that time is not mentioned

                        

• Joe has read that book at school. (the event took place at some point of time in the past, the event already finished)

We use the Present Perfect Progressive in order to talk about an action that started in the past and that is still in progress in the present and that might continue up to the future.

 

• Joe has been reading a book since he arrived home. (He began reading it and is still reading and might continue reading it)

We also use the Present Perfect Progressive in order to talk about events that finished in the past but that still have some effect into the present.

• Look! The streets are really wet. It has been raining. In this example rain has stopped recently but still affects on the present.

Remember that non action verbs can not be used with the Present Perfect Progressive. When using any of these verbs use Present Perfect instead.

• I have surprised my family many times. 

• I have been surprising my family many times. (Incorrect)

We also use the Present Perfect Progressive in order to talk about how long something has been going on.

• Greg has been working in the new project for three months.

• Marianne has been taking Spanish classes since she started her career in international business.

If you want to ask about:

• How much someone has done.

• How many things someone has done.

• How many times someone has done something.

We usually use Present Perfect.

• I have had too much coffee this morning.

• Steve has been to Mexico three times.

• We have seen that movie twice this month.

Some times  we can use Present Perfect or Present Perfect Progressive is the meaning is the same. This can happen we we use verbs like: live, study, teach and work.

• Samuel is an experienced teacher. He has been teaching Math for twelve years.

• Samuel is an experienced teacher. He has taught Math for twelve years.

• They have live in the same house for over 15 years.

• They have been living in the same house for over 15 years.

 

When tallking about temporary events we preferably use Present Perfect Progressive.

• Professor Smith has been teaching Math for eight years, but this year he retires.

When talking about permanent events we preferably use Present Perfect.

• Professor Smith has taught at the state college for eight years. He loves teaching.