1.4.6 Present perfect simple and continuous contrasted




We use the present perfect simple to talk about a completed event, e.g.:



Jack has made some marmalade.
(En Jack ha fet melmelada.)

This implies that there is now some marmalade. Contrast the present perfect continuous in:



Terry has been making some marmalade.
(En Terry ha fet melmelada.)

This does not imply definitely that there is now some marmalade. We use this form to explain, for example, why Terry is tired or why the kitchen is dirty, e.g.:



A: Where've you been all morning? (Com t'has entretingut aquest matí?)
 B: I've been cleaning out the garage. (He netejat el garatge.)

C: Mary's face is very red. (La Mary té la cara molt vermella.)
 D: She's been blowing up balloons for the party. (Ha anat inflant globus per a la festa.)



See also present perfect simple and present perfect continuous.