Present Continuous vs Present Perfect Continuous?

insano:

Hello.

I've a question regarding the Present Perfect Continuous/Present Continuous.

As far I know the Present Continuous may be used to describe longer actions in progress now. "Now" doesn't have to mean this exact second, it can mean for example "this month". Am I right?

A sample situation:

I'm having lunch with my friend and I say:

"I'm reading an interesting book".

1. Is there a major difference between this sentence and "I've been reading an interesting book"
2. Can I add "this month" time expression to these sentences ?

Regards,
insano

New Member09

CalifJim:

insano1. Is there a major difference between this sentence and "I've been reading an interesting book"
2. Can I add "this month" time expression to these sentences ?

1. No. Nothing major.
2. Yes. "this month" includes the time of utterance, so that's fine.

CJ

Veteran Member45,906

insano:

Great, thanks! I assume that there exist some minor differences - could you tell me something more about them?

Regards,
inasno

CalifJim:

insanoI assume that there exist some minor differences - could you tell me something more about them?

It's only a slight difference in the focus. The present focuses on a range of time around the present. The present perfect focuses on a range of time before the present.

Where X is the present moment:

....................[ X ].............. [I'm reading]

.....[ ]X.......................... [I've been reading]

CJ

Present Continuous vs Present Perfect Continuous?

Related forum topics: