have planned/thought vs. have been planning/thinking

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Verona_82

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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

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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

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

Barb_D

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