present perfect progressive once more

[Hanka]

Hello,

I have one more question concerning the present perfect progressive.

When I say:
Sorry I am late. Have you been waiting long?

Why not "have you waited"? Because I am already there, so he or she is not waiting any longer.

Thank you so much.

Hanka

[mykwyner]

No native English speaker would hear any difference in meaning between the two utterances.

[riverkid]

Originally Posted by Hanka

Hello,
I have one more question concerning the present perfect progressive.
When I say:
Sorry I am late. Have you been waiting long?
Why not "have you waited"? Because I am already there, so he or she is not waiting any longer.

Here, this past action has current relevance, importance. It would seem quite uncaring/rude to use "Did you wait for me long/Were you waiting long?"

Also, I'd say that the progressive form would be the more natural choice. Why? Not completely sure, but maybe it's because it adds a degree of nowness to the action

Thank you so much.
Hanka

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