Present perfect simple and present perfect continuous

New habits and repeated actions

- We use the present perfect continuous to describe repeated activities which started recently: I've been doing a lot of exercise lately. (In the past, I didn't do much exercise.)

Structure

Positive: I've been using a new app - He's been using a new app.

Negative: I haven't been sleeping well. - She hasn't been sleeping well.

Question: Have they been living abroad? Yes, they have / No, they haven't. - Has she been living abroad? Yes, she has / No, she hasn't

Unfinished actions and states (duration)

- We use the present perfect simple state verbs: We've owned this car for several years and it has never broken down

- We use the present perfect continuous with action verbs: How long have you been waiting?

Recent past actions with present results

- We use the present perfect simple when completing an action has a result now: I've just finished my essay. (result of finishing writing = I can relac, I can hand in the work, etc.)

- We use the present perfect continuous when doing an activity has a result now: I'm tired because I've been writing an essay. (result of writing = I'm tired.)