"have worked for" vs "have been working for"

Question

"have worked for" vs "have been working for"

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in different contexts. 'Have worked for' is used to indicate a completed action in the past, while 'have been working for' is used to indicate a continuous action that started in the past and is still ongoing.

Last Updated: April 14, 2024

This phrase is used to talk about a job or position that someone had in the past. It indicates that the action of working for someone or a company is finished.

Examples:

I have worked for this company for five years.
She has worked for several different companies in her career.

Alternatives:

worked for
had worked for

This phrase is used to talk about a job or position that someone has been doing for a period of time and is still doing. It indicates that the action of working for someone or a company is in progress.

Examples:

I have been working for this company for five years.
She has been working for several different companies in her career.

Alternatives:

have been employed by
have been in the employ of

Answer 1

have worked for

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to indicate a completed action in the past.

Answer 2

have been working for

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to indicate a continuous action that started in the past and is still ongoing.