Common Present Perfect Continuous Mistakes

Master the present perfect continuous tense by learning how to avoid common mistakes with this comprehensive video lesson.

The present perfect continuous tense can be tricky for learners of English, often leading to common mistakes. This video highlights three frequent errors and provides correct usage examples.

1. Confusing it with present perfect simple:

• Incorrect: "Since I started, I have worked on this project for five hours."
• Correct: "Since I started, I have been working on this project for five hours."

The present perfect continuous ("have been working") emphasizes the ongoing nature of the activity, while the present perfect simple ("have worked") does not.

2. Confusing Continuous Actions and States:

• Incorrect: "I have been owning this car for five years."
• Correct: "I have owned this car for five years."

Use the present perfect simple ("have owned") for states or conditions, not the continuous form ("have been owning").

3. Incorrect Use of "Since" and "For":

• Incorrect: "I have been working here since three years."
• Correct: "I have been working here for three years."

Use "for" to indicate a duration of time and "since" to indicate the starting point of the action.

Understanding these common mistakes and how to correct them can significantly improve your use of the present perfect continuous tense. Watch the video to learn more about these errors and ensure you use this tense accurately in your conversations and writing.