They have been building the house for a year.

[diamondcutter]

We can’t say they have built the house for a year. But we can say they have been building the house for a year. Am I right?

 

[tedmc]

We can’t say they have built the house for a year. But we can say they have been building the house for a year. Am I right?

Both are possible but there is a difference.

 

[diamondcutter]

Thanks, Tedmc.

But Emsr2d2 says this:
The problem is that "The house has been built for ten years" wouldn't be used.
https://www.usingenglish.com/forum/threads/289909-The-house-has-a-history-of-ten-years (#6)

 

[tedmc]

Thanks, Tedmc.

But Emsr2d2 says this:
The problem is that "The house has been built for ten years" wouldn't be used.
https://www.usingenglish.com/forum/threads/289909-The-house-has-a-history-of-ten-years (#6)

It is possible but not likely. It is another way of saying the house has been under construction for ten years

 

[emsr2d2]

If the house has been under construction for ten years, we would say "The house has been being built for ten years". As I said, "has been built for ten years" doesn't make sense.