Present Perfect vs Present Perfect Continuous Exercises

Both tenses connect the past with the present. Use the present perfect simple when the result matters or you say how many. Use the present perfect continuous when the activity matters or you say how long. Read through the table, then test yourself below. Each answer comes with a short explanation.

Present perfect simplePresent perfect continuous
Formhave / has + past participle
I’ve written, she hasn’t called		have / has + been + -ing
I’ve been writing, she hasn’t been sleeping
Focusthe result, a finished actionthe activity, which may not be finished
QuestionHow many? How much? How many times?How long?
ExampleI’ve written three emails.I’ve been writing emails all morning.
Typical wordsever, never, just, already, yet, the first timeall day, lately, recently, for / since + activity

Present perfect vs present perfect continuous quiz

Four sets of 20 questions: start with Basics (A2) and move up to Advanced (B2), or try the At work set with office situations. Where both forms are correct, both answers are accepted. Prefer to check everything at the end? Switch to Exam mode.

Level A2 20 questions ~8 min

  1. Have you ever   to Japan?

  2. I   my homework. Can I go out now?

  3. She (never / see) the sea.

  4. We’ve lived in this town   2018.

  5. They’ve been married   twenty years.

  6. I (just / have) lunch, so I’m not hungry.

  7. Has the film started  ?

  8. My brother   his leg, so he can’t play football.

  9. (you / ever / eat) sushi?

  10. I’m tired because I   all day.

  11. How long   you been waiting?

  12. It (rain) since this morning.

  13. Sorry, Tom isn’t here. He’s   to the shops.

  14. I’ve   seen this film. Let’s watch something else.

  15. We (not / finish) the project yet.

  16. She   three emails this morning.

  17. Your eyes are red.   you been crying?

  18. I (know) Maria for five years.

  19. This is the best pizza I’ve ever  .

  20. He’s been learning English   he was six.

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Teachers: download these questions as a printable worksheet with an answer key. It’s free to use in class.

Result or activity?

Compare these pairs. The simple form tells you what is done. The continuous form tells you what you have been doing.

  • I’ve painted the kitchen. (it’s finished, look!) / I’ve been painting the kitchen. (that’s why I’m covered in paint)
  • Somebody has eaten my chocolates. (the box is empty) / Somebody has been eating my chocolates. (some are missing)
  • She’s written three reports. (how many) / She’s been writing reports since 9. (how long)

For or since?

For + a period of time: for two hours, for ten years, for ages. Since + a point in time: since 9 am, since Monday, since 2019, since I was a child.

Common mistakes

  • ❌ I am living here since 2019. → ✅ I’ve been living / I’ve lived here since 2019.
  • ❌ I’ve been knowing him for years. → ✅ I’ve known him for years. (stative verb)
  • ❌ I’ve been drinking four coffees today. → ✅ I’ve drunk four coffees today. (a number → simple)
  • ❌ She’s been to the shops. She’ll be back soon. → ✅ She’s gone to the shops. (she’s still there)

FAQ

Are both forms ever correct?

Yes. With verbs like live, work, study, teach and for / since, both are usually fine: I’ve worked here for five years and I’ve been working here for five years mean almost the same. The continuous sounds a little more temporary or focused on the activity.

What level are these exercises?

There are four sets: Basics (A2), Intermediate (B1), Advanced (B2) and At work (B1–B2). The advanced set covers stative verbs, been vs gone, lately, and unfinished activities.

Can I use these exercises in class?

Yes. Under each quiz there is a link to download it as a printable PDF worksheet with an answer key on a separate page. It’s free to use with your students.