011 : how long have you (been) … ?

   A   

Study this example situation:

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Dan and jenny are married. They got married exactly 20 years ago, so today is their 20th wedding anniversary.

They have been married for 20 years.

 

We say: They are married. (present)

 

but  How long have they been married? (present perfect)
(not How long are they married?)

They have been married for 20 years.
(not They are married for 20 years)

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We use the present perfect to talk about something that began in the past and still continues now.

 

Compare the present and the present perfect:

• Paul is in hospital.    (but)
  He's been in hospital since Monday. (= He has been ... )

  

  
  (not Paul is in hospital since Monday)
• Do you know each other well?    (but)
  Have you known each other for a long time?
  (not Do you know)
• She's waiting for somebody.    (but)  
  She's been waiting all morning.
• Do they have a car?    (but)  
  How long have they had their car?

 

 

   B   

I have known/had/lived etc. is the present perfect simple.
I have been learning / been waiting / been doing etc. is the present perfect continuous.

 

When we ask or say 'how long', the continuous is more usual (see Unit 10):

• I've been learning English for six months.
• It's been raining since lunchtime.
• Richard has been doing the same job for 20 years.
• 'How long have you been driving?'  'Since I was 17.'

Some verbs (for example, know/like/believe) are not normally used in the continuous:

• How long have you known Jane? (not have you been knowing)
• I've had a pain in my stomach all day. (not I've been having)

See also Units 4A and 10C. For have, see Unit 17.

 

 

   C   

You can use either the present perfect continuous or simple with live and work:

• Julia has been living / has lived here for a long time.
• How long have you been working / have you worked here?

But use the simple (I've lived / I've done etc.) with always:

• I've always lived in the country. (not always been living)

 

 

   D   

We say 'I haven't done something since/for ...' (present perfect simple):

• I haven't seen Tom since Monday. (= Monday was the last time I saw him)
• Sarah hasn't phoned for ages. (= the last time she phoned was ages ago)