I have been using an extension cord ...

[JaneGothic]

Can we use here present simple, present continuous or present perfect instead of present perfect continuous?

I was doing an exercise to understand the difference between present perfect and present perfect continuous. I can't understand why we need present perfect continuous? Which part in the text shows that we need this form? Can I use present simple or present perfect here?

The humidifier has been making weird noises since yesterday. I have plugged it into the outlet, but it didn't help - I think it's broken. I HAVE BEEN USING an extension cord to run everything in the kitchen, but it looks a bit dangerous. My roommate has tripped over it twice!

 

[teechar]

I was doing an exercise to understand the difference between present perfect and present perfect continuous.

Where did you find that exercise? Give us the link or name and author of the publication.

I can't understand why we need present perfect continuous.

Are you talking about the sentence you used capital letters in, or any of the sentences using that tense in the excerpt you quoted?

Which part in the text shows that we need this form?

I don't quite understand what you mean by that. The present perfect continuous has a few uses, one of which is for situations that started in the past and continue into the present (such as the first sentence in your scenario).

Can I use present simple or present perfect here?

If you're talking about the sentence with capitalized words in it, then the answer is:
present simple - okay.
present perfect simple - perhaps not, because "I have used an extension cord" can mean that you no longer use it.
In future, please do not capitalize words unnecessarily. You can underline word(s) if you want to draw attention to a particular part of your text.

 

[SoothingDave]

The present perfect emphasizes the result of a completed action, while the present perfect continuous highlights the ongoing nature or duration of an action

The use of the extension cord is ongoing.

The present simple is used for habitual actions, but I wouldn't describe using an extension cord as a habit.

 

[teechar]

The use of the extension cord is ongoing.

The present simple is used for habitual actions, but I wouldn't describe using an extension cord as a habit.

Are you saying you disagree with "I use an extension cord to run everything in the kitchen"?

 

[emsr2d2]

The humidifier has been making weird noises since yesterday. I have plugged it into the outlet, but it didn't help - I think it's broken.

How was the humidifier making noises (weird or otherwise) if it wasn't plugged in?

 

[teechar]

How was the humidifier making noises (weird or otherwise) if it wasn't plugged in?

I think the idea is that plugging it in to the power outlet directly (not via the cord) might have stopped it from making the noises.

 

[SoothingDave]

Are you saying you disagree with "I use an extension cord to run everything in the kitchen"?

I don't find it as natural as "I have been using" in this context.

 

[teechar]

It's perfectly natural. I wonder if this is yet another AmE thing?
I use a fan to cool my room.
Does that sentence also not sound right to you? Would you not say something like that?
[ It's not habitual, for what it's worth]

 

[emsr2d2]

In the context in post #1, I would say the continuous is more appropriate because it seems to be saying "Up to this point, I have been using an extension lead but from now on, I'm going to [something else]".

 

[jutfrank]

I'm going to guess that this context was written specially as a way to present the present perfect continuous, where the continuous aspect emphasises the continuous nature of the action over a period of time and the perfect aspect shows that this has now come to an end.

 

[Bambook]

present perfect simple - perhaps not, because "I have used an extension cord" can mean that you no longer use it.

I though both present perfect simple and present perfect continuous are connected with now and therefore their actions last until very now.
1. Could you give examples of that usage that you are mentioning?
2. Could you give a link, if you know, to a resourse to study the usages of tenses?

 

[emsr2d2]

I thought both the present perfect simple and present perfect continuous are connected with now and therefore their actions last until very right now.

Note my corrections above.

1. Could you give examples of that usage that you are mentioning mentioned?

Which usage?

2. Could you give me a link, if you know one, to a resource to help me study the usages use of tenses?

What resources are you currently using? What textbooks are you working from? Are you having formal English lessons or studying alone?

 

[5jj]

I though both present perfect simple and present perfect continuous are connected with now and therefore their actions last until very now.

The time period extends up to now. The action does not necessarily do so.

Could you give a link, if you know, to a resourse to study the usages of tenses?

The series of articles beginning here may be of interest.

 

[Bambook]

What resources are you currently using? What textbooks are you working from? Are you having formal English lessons or studying alone?

Thank you, emsr2d2! I seem to be getting lesser of your red corrections in my messages than before . The most of my grammar I have taken from "English Grammar in Use" by Raymond Mutphy, Intermediate level. I have been studying English for almost 30 years. Mostly alone. Not studying actively now but reading English litrature and helping my kid to study English.

 

[Bambook]

The time period extends up to now. The action does not necessarily do so.

The series of articles beginning here may be of interest.

5jj, thank yuo! At first glance the article under your link looks monumental. I will try to study it. Thank you so much. It is probably what I was missing.

 

[emsr2d2]

Thank you, emsr2d2! I seem to be getting lesser fewer of your red corrections in my messages than before.

Study the difference between "less/lesser" and "few/fewer". If you must use an emoji, put it after the closing punctuation mark.

The Most of my grammar I have taken from "English Grammar in Use" by Raymond Murphy, Intermediate Level.

Study the use of "most" and "the most". Capitalise book titles exactly as they're capitalised on the front of the book.

I have been studying English for almost 30 years, mostly alone. I'm not studying actively now but I'm reading English literature and helping my kid to study English.

Those should help but there's no harm in doing a bit of self-study here and there.

 

[Bambook]

The series of articles beginning here may be of interest.

Thank you again for that great book!
I am affraid I spotted an error. I hope it is not though. I did not find any contact information there so writing here.
Please go to https://www.usingenglish.com/articles/english-tenses-aspect-3-marked-tense.html
Please find this sentence. "The unmarked form shows a distancing in perception of reality." (under point 12). I think it should read "marked" instead of "unmarked".

 

[5jj]

I think it should read "marked" instead of "unmarked".

Thank you. You are right. Unfortunately I cannot correct it myself, but I will contact our webmaster, who should be able to sort out my blunder.

 

[Bambook]

Thank you. You are right. Unfortunately I cannot correct it myself, but I will contact our webmaster, who should be able to sort out my blunder.

Ah, it is your book then! Unbelivable! I never hoped that authors of such great works can be reached just like this. And so I am communicating with one. I am very pleased. I am happy that I chanced to get a link to it, and right from the author, what a luck. I am secretly copying some portions of it for my local storing , just in case, who knows, I can not fully trust to the internet

 

[Tarheel]

Um, try: What luck!

That's the expression. Just that way