IELTS Grammar Topics

Key rules for both present perfect simple and continuous:

Used to talk about a timeframe that started in the past but continues into the present.

• I have lived here for 15 years.

• I have been studying German for 5 years.

To talk about a life experience - something you have done in your life at some point with no time reference.

• I have travelled in South America.

• I have played poker several times before.

It could be a time starting in the past and continuing into the present with “since”.

• I have had a problem with my back since 2020.

• I have been working very hard since I joined the company.

It could be a time starting in the past and continuing into the present with “for”.

• I have lived here for 3 years

• I have been learning Spanish for 6 months.

Or it could be a time period you are still in e.g. this morning, today, this year etc.

• I haven’t had breakfast yet this morning.

• I have been reading a book all afternoon.

Never used with a time reference in the past. As soon as you say “yesterday/ in 2009/ last night/ at 2am, etc.” you cannot use the present perfect tense.

• I haven’t slept. (no time reference => present perfect)

• I didn’t sleep well last night. (time reference => past simple)

Differences between the present perfect simple and continuous:

Present Perfect Simple:

Emphasises completion.

• I have read the book (I finished it)

For a single action

• I have eaten dinner (once)

Present Perfect Continuous:

Emphasises continuation (i.e. not completed).

• I have been reading War and Peace (I haven’t finished it yet)

Suggests continuing for a long period of time or multiple times/ repeated.

• I have been playing tennis every Saturday.

• I have been working on the report for weeks.

Often used when an action was just before the time of speaking.

• I have just been reading your report.

Exercise 1:

Present Perfect or Past Simple? Choose the correct verb form (present perfect or past simple) to complete each sentence.

1. I __________ (finish) my homework an hour ago.

2. Sarah __________ (visit) New York City last year.

3. They __________ (not eat) at that restaurant before.

4. Tom __________ (buy) a new car last week.

5. We __________ (just arrive) at the airport.

6. She __________ (already see) that movie twice.

7. John __________ (not study) for the test yet.

8. The students __________ (read) three books this month.

9. Have you ever __________ (travel) to Europe?

10. The company __________ (announce) its new product yesterday.

Exercise 2:

Present Perfect Simple or Continuous? Choose the correct verb form (present perfect simple or present perfect continuous) to complete each sentence.

1. He __________ (learn) to drive for 6 months but he __________ (pass) his driving test yet.

2. I __________ (read) every book written by Arthur C. Clarke.

3. She __________ (give) birth to a healthy baby boy

4. He __________ (become) a lawyer.

5. She __________ (work) on the report since Monday.

6. I’m sweating because I __________ (run).

7. She __________ (play) tennis regularly.

8. I __________ (see) her since yesterday.

9. I __________ (talk) to her for 2 hours every night.

Discussion Questions:

1. What have you been doing this morning/ this afternoon/ today?

2. What books have you read this year?

3. Have you ever tried any extreme sports or activities?

4. How long have you been studying English?

5. Have you learnt any other languages?

6. Have you passed your driving test?

7. Have you ever lived in a different country? 

8. Have you been exercising recently? What have you been doing?

9. How long have you been working in your current job?

10. Have you ever thought about changing careers?

11. What have you been doing to expand your professional skills?

12. What music have you been listening to lately?

14. What have you been doing to stay connected with friends and family?

14. Have you found time for hobbies recently? What have you been doing?

15. Have you been taking any supplements, vitamins or drugs?