Present Perfect vs Present Perfect Continuous – B1 Grammar Test
This B1 grammar test focuses on the difference between present perfect and present perfect continuous, a key grammar area tested in IELTS, TOEFL, and YDS exams.
Choose the correct answer.
RESULTS
#1. I ___ English for five years
#2. She ___ all morning and now she’s tired.
#3. They ___ the report already.
#4. He ___ to the gym regularly since January.
#5. We ___ this problem several times.
#6. I’m sorry I’m late. I ___ for the bus.
#7. She ___ three emails today.
#8. He ___ all day and needs a break.
#9. They ___ here since 9 a.m.
#10. I ___ that book twice.
✅ Answer Key with VERY DETAILED EXPLANATIONS (IELTS · TOEFL · YDS Focused)
🧠 Critical Exam Rule (READ THIS FIRST)
| Usage | Tense | Exam Logic |
|---|---|---|
| Result / number / completion | Present Perfect | IELTS Task 1–2, YDS |
| Duration / activity focus | Present Perfect Continuous | IELTS Speaking, TOEFL Writing |
1. I have been studying English for five years.
Correct: b)
Why (Exam logic):
“For five years” = duration
Focus is on activity over time, not just result
Very common in IELTS Speaking Part 1 & 2
❌ have studied → focuses more on result, less on duration
Example:
I have been preparing for the IELTS exam for months.
2. She has been working all morning and now she’s tired.
Correct: b)
Why:
“All morning” + visible result (tired)
Continuous activity → present perfect continuous
🔥 TOEFL & IELTS love this structure.
3. They have finished the report already.
Correct: a)
Why:
Action is complete
“Already” signals finished result
📌 Very common in YDS grammar questions
4. He has been going to the gym regularly since January.
Correct: b)
Why:
Repeated activity over time
Focus on habit + duration
5. We have discussed this problem several times.
Correct: a)
Why:
Emphasis on number of completed actions
Typical IELTS Writing Task 2 logic
6. I’m sorry I’m late. I have been waiting for the bus.
Correct: b)
Why:
Waiting is an unfinished activity
Cause of current situation (lateness)
7. She has written three emails today.
Correct: a)
Why:
Number (three emails)
Focus on result, not process
📌 YDS klasik soru tipi.
8. He has been studying all day and needs a break.
Correct: b)
Why:
Long activity → duration
Physical/mental result now
9. They have been sitting here since 9 a.m.
Correct: b)
Why:
“Since” + ongoing activity
Continuous tense preferred
10. I have read that book twice.
Correct: a)
Why:
“Twice” = completed experiences
Present perfect simple is correct
🧠 EXAM SURVIVAL SUMMARY
Use Present Perfect when:
Talking about results
Giving numbers
Saying something is finished
Typical in YDS & IELTS Writing
Use Present Perfect Continuous when:
Talking about duration
Emphasizing effort or activity
Explaining a current result
Common in IELTS Speaking & TOEFL Writing
