What is the difference between the present perfect and the present perfect continuous?
The present perfect and the present perfect continuous (present perfect progressive) are both verb tenses that are used to refer to the current effects of a past action or event. There are some differences between the two tenses, though:
- The present perfect is used to refer to past occurrences that may continue in the present (e.g., “I have traveled to six countries”).
- The present perfect continuous describes occurrences that started in the past and are ongoing (e.g., “I have been trying to talk to the doctor since last week”).