Sentence: Present Perfect vs Present Perfect Continuous

English as a Second Language English Vocabulary, Grammar and Idioms
1

I have the following sentence:

Now I am tired because I (travel ) all the afternoon.

My teacher insists that we can get good marks by using either of the ways of fufilling the sentences as follows:

Now I am tired because I have travelled all the afternoon.

Now I am tired because I have been travelling all the afternoon.

I am so confused if my teacher is correct. Just give me some advice and explanation please.

Thanks

Anna

2

Hi Anna,

The difference between ‘have travelled’ and ‘have been travelling’ in your sentences is that the simple form (have travelled) is stating a simple fact and the continuous form (have been travelling) adds the idea that the travelling has gone on and on and that further explains why you are tired.

I would also say ‘all afternoon’.

Alan

3

So, can both be acceptable, Alan?

4

Yes, they can, Anna.

5

Thanks Alan.

6

thanks to u
maan