Present Perfect or Present Perfect Continuous?

 

How do you choose between the Present Perfect Continuous and Present Perfect?

 

The Present Perfect Continuous is used to show that an activity in the past was in progress. It is possible that the activity is still taking place.

• We’ve been looking at those beautiful paintings for two hours.

 

The Present Perfect is used to show that an activity in the past is finished.

• We’ve selected our favorite painting among those exhibited.

 

Consider the following examples:

 

Present Perfect Continuous

I’ve been cooking dinner. It will be ready soon.

Jane’s been running today. Now she’s really tired.

We’ve been eating too much cake. We must eat less.

 

Present Perfect

I’ve cooked dinner. It is ready now.

Jane has just run a race. Now she’s receiving a medal.

We’ve eaten all cake. The plates are empty.