Which one is correct?
"have been using the computer" or "have used the computer"?

Question

Which one is correct?
"have been using the computer" or "have used the computer"?

This phrase is used to talk about an action that started in the past and is still happening. It implies a continuous or repeated action.

Examples:

I have been using the computer for hours.
She has been using the computer to study for her exams.
They have been using the computer to work on their project.
He has been using the computer to learn programming.
We have been using the computer to design a website.

Alternatives:

have been utilizing the computer
have been operating the computer
have been employing the computer
have been working on the computer
have been engaging with the computer

This phrase is used to talk about a specific action that was completed in the past. It does not imply that the action is still ongoing.

Examples:

I have used the computer to finish my assignment.
She has used the computer to create a presentation.
They have used the computer to play games.
He has used the computer to write emails.
We have used the computer to watch movies.

Alternatives:

used the computer
have utilized the computer
have operated the computer
have employed the computer
have worked on the computer

Both "have used the computer" and "have been using the computer" are correct, but they are used in different contexts. "Have used the computer" is used to refer to a completed action in the past, while "have been using the computer" is used to indicate a continuous action that started in the past and is still ongoing.

Last Updated: March 19, 2024

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Answer 1

have been using the computer

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

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Answer 2

have used the computer

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

Learn More [+]

Which one is correct? "have been using the computer" or "have used the computer"?

have been using the computer

have used the computer

Related Comparisons

Which one is correct?
"have been using the computer" or "have used the computer"?