[Grammar] present perfect simple + for/since

[Iryn_]

Hello, everybody!
I have run into this website and here's what it says:

When the present perfect has since or for, it has the same meaning as the present perfect progressive!
( http://www.myenglishteacher.net/present_perfect_progressive.html )

Does this work, like, in every single case? For example:
1.They have gone out for 2 years. will mean the same as They have been going out for 2 years. ?
or
2.She's driven a car since she was at school. will mean the same as She has been driving a car since she was at school. ?
So, according to that rule, neither of the four sentences means that the action is finished?
(please, correct if there are any punctuation mistakes or others - I'd be really grateful for that)

 

[MikeNewYork]

I agree with the website.

 

[Skrej]

That's correct, both tenses are used to refer to ongoing actions started in the past.

 

[bhaisahab]

1.They have gone out for 2 years.
I don't find this at all natural.

 

[Iryn_]

Hello, MikeNewYork and Skrej, thank you for answers!
I have one more question: if sentences go without for/since, then the only difference between them would be in finished (perfect simple) and unfinished (perfect continuous) actions?
I have painted the ceiling this morning. I’m tired now.
I have been painting the ceiling this morning. I’m tired now.

 

[bhaisahab]

Hello, MikeNewYork and Skrej, thank you for answers!
I have one more question: if sentences go without for/since, then the only difference between them would be in finished (perfect simple) and unfinished (perfect continuous) actions?
I have painted the ceiling this morning. I’m tired now.
I have been painting the ceiling this morning. I’m tired now.

The first one is incorrect. It should be "I painted the ceiling this morning".

 

[Iryn_]

Hello, bhaisahab!
Would it be ok if I said "I have painted the ceiling today"?

I'm still a little confused about these two tenses.
For example:
I __________(paint) the ceiling today. ...
If I have to choose between present perfect simple and continuous tenses, what should be the further context after that example sentence for me to understand which tense to choose?
Because both of them may show an action that has just finished and there's some result in present. So how to know which one to use?
I hope I was clear enough.

 

[bhaisahab]

"I have painted the ceiling." This tells about something you finished doing recently.
"I painted the ceiling today." This tells us when you did it.
"I have been painting the ceiling today." This tells us what you have been doing today. It may or may not be finished.

 

[Iryn_]

Thank you once again)
What about the sentence below: given only this context, can I use both Perfect Simple and Continuous tenses?
I _________ (paint) the ceiling. I’m tired now.

 

[bhaisahab]

Yes, you can. With the present perfect they tell us that you have finished painting. (There are two sentences.) With the continuous form we don't know whether you have finished or not.

 

[Iryn_]

I am very very grateful for the explanations! Thank you!

 

[emsr2d2]

Note that there is no need to write a new post to say "Thank you". Simply click the "Thank" button in the bottom left-hand corner of any post you find helpful. It saves time for everyone.

 

[bhaisahab]

Note that there is no need to write a new post to say "Thank you". Simply click the "Thank" button in the bottom left-hand corner of any post you find helpful. It saves time for everyone.

I liked it. ;-)