have planned/thought vs. have been planning/thinking

[Verona_82]

Hello,

The key to a test from my book gives the following answers:

It's my mum and dad's golden wedding anniversary next weekend. We've been arranging a surprise party for the last three months. We've booked a room...ordered a cake...received over 50 replies to our invitations. Mum and Dad suspect we've been planning something special, but they don't really know what. I know Mum has been thinking very carefully about their outfits. She's bought a new dress and ....

A couple of students have chosen 'have planned' and 'has thought". Although I'd go for the progressive, I don't think the present perfect is incorrect. Or is it?

[bhaisahab]

Hello,

The key to a test from my book gives the following answers:

It's my mum and dad's golden wedding anniversary next weekend. We've been arranging a surprise party for the last three months. We've booked a room...ordered a cake...received over 50 replies to our invitations. Mum and Dad suspect we've been planning something special, but they don't really know what. I know Mum has been thinking very carefully about their outfits. She's bought a new dress and ....

A couple of students have chosen 'have planned' and 'has thought". Although I'd go for the progressive, I don't think the present perfect is incorrect. Or is it?

No, it's not incorrect.

[Verona_82]

Would you prefer one to the other, or does it depend on what you'd like to emphasize?

[Barb_D]

If you want to emphasize the duration of the planning for the event and for the outfit, the progressive is a good choice.