Difference Present Perfect and Present Perfect Cont.

English grammar questions, answered by Alan

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nastiaeng
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Difference Present Perfect and Present Perfect Cont.

Post by nastiaeng »

Why this sentence is correct, but the second not?

I haven't eaten anything since breakfast. - correct
I haven't been eating anything since breakfast. - incorrect
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Alan
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Re: Difference Present Perfect and Present Perfect Cont.

Post by Alan »

The present perfect simple relates to acts/events already completed at the time of speaking, while the progressive form relates to acts/events still ongoing at the time of speaking (but whose duration/starting point has been specified).

Clearly, then, the former is the more appropriate in this case.
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