Present Perfect X Present Perfect Continuous

[doltcrow]

Hai guyz
this is my frist time here so Id like you to know that I'm really happy for being a member of such an amazing forum like this.

Well, I have a doubt about the difference between PRESENT PERFECT and PRESENT PERFECT CONTINUOUS.

For example:

01. I HAVE STUDIED ENGLISH FOR THREE YEARS.
02. I HAVE BEEN STUDYING ENGLISH FOR THREE YEARS.


Is there any difference between these two sentences?

What I think about that is that the differente is at the moment of speaking.
I mean, when someone says the sencente #2 it is because he is doing the action at the moment of speaking.
Am I right?


Well I hope somebody can help me.


Aloha

RC/DC

 

[blacknomi]

when someone says the sencente #2 it is because he is doing the action at the moment of speaking.

Not really.

[In an English class.]
Teacher: How long have you studied English?
Student: I have been studying it for 3 years.
( The student is in an English class now and it makes sense that he's still learning English now when he uttered the sentence.)


[In a coffee shop]
Sam: I heard you are taking English class now.
Pam: Oh, yea! And I have been studying English for 3 years.
( Pam was drinking coffee rather than learning English while she was uttering that sentence.)


In your examples, the first one indicated the leaning behavior may be ended. Total is about 3 years and you may be learning it now. The second one emphasizes more on the continuing leaning behavior. Total years of learning could be more than 3 years.


I have lived here for 3 years.
==> I lived here before or I am still living here.
I have been living here for 3 years.
==> I am still living here!