Present Perfect Simple USE EXAMPLE NOTES to talk about states, single or repeated actions over a long period of time up to the present Have you ever been to London? Often with ever, never, often, and always To talk about recent single actions with a result in the present I have always wanted to go to London I have just finished my homework Has the bus arrived yet? Often with: just, already and yet NOTE: In US English, you can use the past simple in sentences such as: I already saw that film (USA) To talk about an unfinished period of time up to the present They have been together for five years I have lived here since 1992 I have already seen that film (UK) Often with: for/since, this week/month/year Present Perfect Continuous USE EXAMPLE To talk about recent activities when the effects can still be seen Your eyes are red Have you been crying? To emphasise how long an action has been going on or if it has been repeated many times To suggest that an activity is temporary To suggest that an action is not complete No, I have been cutting onions I have been sending emails all morning She has been crying all day I have been living here for five years, but I’m going to move soon She has been reading that book for ages NOTES