We use PPC for an activity that has recently stopped or just stopped. Normally there are evidences that this action has been taking place.

We also use it for an activity that is still happening or has just stopped.

Finally, we use it for actions repeated over a period of time.

Debbie is a very good tennis player. She’s been playing since she was eight.

In this sense we normally use it together with time expressions such as all day, lately, recently…

When we use PPS, we are interested in the result and the fact that the action is completed.

When we use PPC, we are interested in the activity and it’s duration. It doesn’t matter if it’s finished or not.

PP SIMPLE: To say how much/many

of something we have done or how many times:

I’ve drunk to litres of water this morning

Lisa has written ten letters today

They’ve played tennis three times this week

PP CONTINUOUS: To say how long an

action has lasted for: I have been learning

English for too long

REMEMBER there are some verbs that are not normally used in the continuous form (Stative verbs):

I’ve known about it for a long time

When we use verbs “live” and “work”, both verb forms are possible with the same meaning:

I’ve lived here all my lifeI’ve been living here all my lifeHow long have you been working here?How long have you worked here?