How do you choose between the Present Perfect Continuous and Present Perfect?

 

The Present Perfect Continuous is used to show that an activity in the past was in progress. It is possible that the activity is still taking place.

 

We’ve been looking at those beautiful paintings for two hours.

 

The Present Perfect is used to show that an activity in the past is finished.

 

We’ve selected our favorite painting among those exhibited.

 

Consider the following examples:

 

Present Perfect Continuous	Present Perfect
I‘ve been cooking dinner. It will be ready soon.	I‘ve cooked dinner. It is ready now.
Jane‘s been running today. Now she’s really tired.	Jane has just run a race. Now she’s receiving a medal.
We‘ve been eating too much lately. We must eat less.	We‘ve eaten all cake. The plates are empty.