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.
(Jack ha hecho mermelada.) |
This implies that there is now some marmalade. Contrast the present perfect continuous in:
| Terry has been making some marmalade.
(Terry ha estado haciendo mermelada.) |
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? (¿Cómo te has entretenido esta mañana?) |
| | B: I've been cleaning out the garage. (He limpiado el garaje.) |
| C: Mary's face is very red. (Mary tiene la cara muy roja.) |
| | D: She's been blowing up balloons for the party. (Ha estado hinchando globos para la fiesta.) |
 |
