Present Perfect Simple or Progressive

Grammar Explanantion

We use the Present Perfect Simple to talk about a past activity that is now completed with a present significance to emphasize the result. For example:

Q: Is the apartment ready?
A: Yes, I have painted it. (Result= the rooms are now painted.)

Q: Can Jerry ride his bike to the park?
A: Yes, Jerry has fixed it. (Result = he can ride it now.)

We use the Present Perfect Progressive to emphasize an extended activity that is partially or very recently complete. For example:

Q: Why do you have paint in your hair?
A: I have been painting the apartment.
(Recent or partially complete extended activity=painting the apartment)

Q: Why are Jerry's hands so dirty?
A: He has been fixing his bike.
(Recent or partially complete extended activity=fixing his bike)

Q: ___
A: Yes, he has, and I think it is beginning to change his playing style.
1. Has he been taken ballet lessons?
2. Has he been taking ballet lessons?
Q: Why is Suzie's make-up such a mess?
A: ______
1. She has been crying.
2. She has cried.
Q: Why are all of those people on the beach?
A: ________
1. A cargo ship has been running aground.
2. A cargo ship has run aground.
Q: What's that brown stuff all over the back of Frank's pants?
A: Frank ___ his pants.
1. has shit
2. has been shitting
Q: Don't stop working now. What's wrong?
A: ____.
1. I am seeing double. I think I have been looking at this computer screen for too long.
2. I am seeing double. I think I have looked at this computer screen for too long.
Q: What's with Stuart Little?
A: ___.
1. He's been watching Mission Impossible.
2. He has watched Mission Impossible.
Choose the best sentence for the picture.
1. Julie has painted a picture.
2. Julie has been painting a picture.
Q: Why is your bike so dirty?
A: ____
1. I have been riding it.
2. I have ridden it.
Q: Wow! Nice teeth!
A: Thanks, ___
1. I have brushed them.
2. I have been brushing them.
Q: Why is your hair such a mess?
A: ___
1. I have been sleeping.
2. I have slept.
Q: What a mess!
A: ___
1. He has been painting a picture.
2. He has painted a picture.
Q: What is wrong with Mike?
A: ___
1. He has been drinking whiskey.
2. He has drunk whiskey.
Choose the best sentence for the picture.
1. Bigfoot has been here.
2. Bigfoot has been being here.
Q: What just happened?
A: Number 19 ___ Number 26 in the crotch!
1. has just kicked
2. has been kicking
Q: What is so funny?
A: ___.
1. Bob's bathing suit has fallen off.
2. Bob's bathing suit has been falling off

Present Perfect Simple or Progressive

Quiz

Grammar Explanantion