We can talk about past actions if they have a present result in the Present Perfect. The verbs or actions happened in the past and their results are felt now.
- You've lost a lot of weight!
- She's got a new car.
- I've been on a diet.
- We've been painting our living room.
- The class has been studying present perfect.
In this meaning, the Simple is used to focus on completed actions. The Continuous is used to focus on repeated activities over a period of time.
- He's bought a coffee.
- He's been buying so many things.
- She's got something.
- She's been getting things for the party next week.
- They have gone to the store.
- They have been going to the store a lot lately.
- He has driven here.
- He has been driving here everyday.
Certain verbs are very short actions. Because of this, they are usually used in the Simple.
- I've cut my finger!
- We've decided to take a trip to Spain.
- It has stopped raining.
- Class hasn't finished yet.
- We haven't fixed the door.
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