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angela#anaconda
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have worked since 1990 vs have nee working since 1990
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Dear colleagues,
I was wondering what the difference was between:
"I �ve worked for IBM since 1990" and "I �ve been working for IBM since 1990"
I know we can use both but which one would you use more naturally?
Is there a difference in meaning here?
Thank you guys! |
5 Feb 2012
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ueslteacher
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1) Pr Per Cont - to emphasize duration; 2) Pr Per - emphasis on completion; 3) Pr Per Cont - could mean it �s temporarily; 4) Pr Per - it �s a permanent job?
Let �s see what others think. Sophia
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5 Feb 2012
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almaz
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To paraphrase Geoff Pullum, if you added "....and now it �s time to party!", your continued employment with the company - and a decent pension - may well be at issue. |
5 Feb 2012
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yanogator
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I agree with Sophia. The way I usually explain it is that the continuous tenses emphasize the process and the time involved.
"I have worked for them since 2000" is a simple statement of fact.
"I have been working for them since 2000" is talking about the time and work, rather than just giving the amount of time. Bruce |
5 Feb 2012
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almaz
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And...which one would you use more naturally?
I know this is a constant (and usually justified) complaint but, perhaps if Angela gave us a context...?
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5 Feb 2012
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PhilipR
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Some grammar books say that the present perfect simple and present perfect continuous can be used interchangeably with the verbs LIVE and WORK.
I agree with Almaz that context would be useful. |
6 Feb 2012
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marie.marron
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But isn �t the difference that if you say:
"I �ve worked for IBM since 1990" you recently ended your work there and "I �ve been working for IBM since 1990" you still work there? |
6 Feb 2012
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Apodo
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@marie.marron
I �ve worked for IBM since 1990" - This doesn �t indicate that you no longer work there.
If you no longer work there you would say: I worked for IBM from 1990 until 2007. You would not use �since �.
You can say:
I haven �t worked there since 2007.
Since indicates it is still happening. |
6 Feb 2012
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angela#anaconda
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There is no particular context here and I thank you all for your answers!
May the force be with you!
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6 Feb 2012
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