110. Simple or Continuous

With some verbs it is possible to use both the simple and continuous forms of the present perfect: I've worked here for five years. I've been working here for five years.

The first form here can be considered the 'neutral', or normal, form. In this sentence the verb work has the meaning 'have a job', and as such refers to a state and not the activity you actually do when you are working. The sentence simply says how long this (your having the job) has been the case.

The second sentence, in the continuous form, would be used in slightly different situations. For example: Jane Alan You put those papers in the green filing cabinet. You don't have to tell me that - I've been working here for five years, you know!

Here the continuous is used to give not just the duration of the state, but also imply a result of the fact that Alan has worked there for five years - he knows where to put the papers. A common situation where the continuous form is used is to imply that the situation is about to change: I've been living here for ten years. I think it's time I moved on.

But note that the normal restrictions apply to verbs that don't take continuous forms: I've had this car since 1987. It's time I changed it. INCORRECT: *I've been having this car since 1987. It's time I changed it.