Present Perfect – Present Perfect Progressive – contrasted

Differences and similarities in the Present Perfect and the Present Perfect Progressive

1. Use

Both tenses are very simlilar. There are sentences where we can use the Present Perfect or the Present Perfect Progressive. The focus in the progressive form is on the course of the action.

It has rained since Monday. → (It has rained - at least once or now and then.)
It has been raining since Monday. → (It has been raining every day since Monday.)

There are verbs which are normally not used with the progressive forms. Have a look at these words on this page: Present Progressive.

2. Form

Present Perfect	Present Perfect Progressive
have/has + past participle*	have/has + been + infinitive + -ing

3. Examples

3.1. Affirmative sentences

Present Perfect	Present Perfect Progressive
I have cleaned my room.	I have been playing volleyball.
You have cleaned your room.	You have been playing volleyball.
He has cleaned his room.	He has been playing volleyball.

3.2. Negative sentences

Present Perfect	Present Perfect Progressive
I have not cleaned my room.	I have not been playing volleyball.
You have not cleaned your room.	You have not been playing volleyball.
He has not cleaned his room.	He has not been playing volleyball.

3.3. Question

Present Perfect	Present Perfect Progressive
Have I cleaned my room?	Have I been playing volleyball?
Have you cleaned your room?	Have you been playing volleyball?
Has he cleaned his room?	Has he been playing volleyball?

4. Spelling

Present Perfect	Present Perfect Progressive
stopped (Double the consonant after a short vowel.) loved (one -e at the end of the word → Add only -d.) worried (consonant before -y → Change to -i.)	sitting (Double the consonant after a short vowel.) writing (Drop the silent -e.) lying (Change -y to -ie.)

* past participle:

regular verbs → infinitive + -ed
irregular verbs → 3rd column of the table of the irregular verbs