Present perfect simple / present perfect continuous
PRESENT PERFECT CONTINUOUS is used...
- for an activity that has recently or just now stopped
There is mustard on your mouth. Have you been eating a sandwich?
Sorry I'm late. Have you been waiting long?
John is really tired – I think he has been working too hard.
In these cases, there is a connection with NOW.
In the first example, you were eating before, but there is mustard on your mouth now.
In the second example, you are still waiting as I arrive, now.
In the third example, John is tired now.
- for actions repeated over a period of time
He's very good at chess! – Yes, he has been playing since he was 5.
My parents have been eating the same thing for Sunday dinner for years.
- for actions that started in the past and are still happening now
It started raining at 1 o'clock. Now it's 7 o'clock, and it is still raining.
So… How long has it been raining? – It has been raining for six hours.
Where is Jim? He's sick, so he has been sleeping all day.
IN THIS CASE WE TALK ABOUT HOW LONG IT HAS BEEN HAPPENING
I have been studying English for five years.
He has been missing since January.
She has been working all morning.
BUT, WE USE PRESENT PERFECT WHEN WE TALK ABOUT HOW MUCH, HOW MANY or HOW MANY TIMES…
How many chapters of that book have you read?
I have eaten seven chocolates today.
We have called them five times already this week.