Present Perfect Simple or Present Perfect Continuous Worksheet 1 ... - Free Printable

Let's solve this English grammar worksheet step by step. The focus is on Present Perfect Simple and Present Perfect Continuous, which are used to describe actions that started in the past and continue into the present, or have just finished.

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Part 1: Choose the correct option

We need to choose between Present Perfect Simple (has/have + past participle) and Present Perfect Continuous (has/have been + verb-ing).

1. Susan really loves that film. She’s been seeing / She’s seen it eight times!
✔ She’s seen it eight times!
→ "Eight times" indicates a completed number of actions. Use Present Perfect Simple.

2. They’ve been playing / They’ve played tennis since 2 o’clock.
✔ They’ve been playing tennis since 2 o’clock.
→ “Since 2 o’clock” shows an action that started in the past and continues now. Use Present Perfect Continuous.

3. My bike is OK again now. I’ve repaired / I’ve been repairing it.
✔ I’ve repaired it.
→ The repair is complete now. Use Present Perfect Simple.

4. Ow! I’ve been cutting / I’ve cut my finger.
✔ I’ve cut my finger.
→ The injury happened at a specific time, and the result is now. Use Present Perfect Simple.

5. He is tired. He has been working / has worked hard.
✔ He has been working hard.
→ The reason for being tired is ongoing effort. Use Present Perfect Continuous.

6. Have you been hearing / Have you heard anything from Brian recently?
✔ Have you heard anything from Brian recently?
→ “Recently” refers to a period ending now; we’re asking if any news occurred. Use Present Perfect Simple.

7. Why is the pavement wet? Because it’s been raining / ’s rained.
✔ Because it’s been raining.
→ The rain is still happening or has just stopped. Use Present Perfect Continuous.

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Part 2: Complete the sentences with the correct form of the verbs

Use Present Perfect Simple or Present Perfect Continuous depending on context.

1. It ________ (rain) for two hours.
✔ has been raining
→ Action started in the past and continues now.

2. She ________ (learn) English for two years.
✔ has been learning
→ Ongoing action over a period.

3. He ________ (watch) TV all day.
✔ has been watching
→ Continuous activity during the day.

4. Ben and I ________ (buy) lots of food this week.
✔ have bought
→ Focus on the result: many items purchased.

5. She ________ (play) tennis since she was six.
✔ has been playing
→ Long duration starting in the past.

6. Tom ________ (always/want) to go to Mexico.
✔ has always wanted
→ Habitual desire over time.

7. The baby ________ (cry) all morning.
✔ has been crying
→ Continuous action.

8. You ________ (not/clean) your room yet.
✔ haven’t cleaned
→ Emphasizes the lack of completion.

9. I ________ (send) ten invitations so far.
✔ have sent
→ Countable results achieved so far.

10. Mark still ________ (not/pay) the bills.
✔ hasn’t paid
→ Emphasis on incomplete task.

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Part 3: Listen and write

This part requires listening, but since we don't have audio, we’ll infer based on images and context.

From the pictures:

1. Here you are. → Picture: A boy holding a toy car.
➤ I’ve made a model car. Do you like it?

2. _______ since I was about twelve. → Picture: Boy reading.
➤ I’ve been reading books since I was about twelve.

3. I am really tired. → Picture: Man digging.
➤ I’ve been digging all day.

4. I don’t know what to wear for the party. _______ and I don’t like any of them. → Picture: Clothes on hanger.
➤ I’ve tried on five outfits and I don’t like any of them.

5. ________ all evening and my feet really hurt! → Picture: Girl dancing.
➤ I’ve been dancing all evening and my feet really hurt!

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Part 4: Answer the questions. Use the Present Perfect Continuous

Answer using Present Perfect Continuous to explain reasons.

1. What have you been doing since 3 o’clock?
➤ I’ve been studying since 3 o’clock.

2. Why are you out of breath?
➤ I’ve been running.

3. Why are you tired?
➤ I’ve been working all day.

4. Why are you cold?
➤ I’ve been standing outside.

5. Why are your clothes so dirty?
➤ I’ve been painting the walls.

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✔ Final Answers Summary

#### Part 1: Choose the correct option
1. She’s seen it eight times!
2. They’ve been playing tennis since 2 o’clock.
3. I’ve repaired it.
4. I’ve cut my finger.
5. He has been working hard.
6. Have you heard anything from Brian recently?
7. Because it’s been raining.

#### Part 2: Complete the sentences
1. has been raining
2. has been learning
3. has been watching
4. have bought
5. has been playing
6. has always wanted
7. has been crying
8. haven’t cleaned
9. have sent
10. hasn’t paid

#### Part 3: Listen and write
1. I’ve made a model car.
2. I’ve been reading books since I was about twelve.
3. I’ve been digging all day.
4. I’ve tried on five outfits...
5. I’ve been dancing all evening...

#### Part 4: Answer the questions
1. I’ve been studying since 3 o’clock.
2. I’ve been running.
3. I’ve been working all day.
4. I’ve been standing outside.
5. I’ve been painting the walls.

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