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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