"I have been doing it for four years" vs "I have done it for four years"

Question

"I have been doing it for four years" vs "I have done it for four years"

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in slightly different contexts. 'I have been doing it for four years' implies ongoing action or activity that started in the past and continues up to the present. 'I have done it for four years' implies a completed action or activity that started in the past and lasted for a period of four years.

Last Updated: March 30, 2024

This phrase is used to express that the action of doing something started four years ago and is still ongoing.

Examples:

I have been working at this company for four years.
She has been learning French for four years.
They have been living in that house for four years.

Alternatives:

I have been doing it since four years ago.
I have been engaged in it for four years.

This phrase is used to express that the action of doing something started four years ago and has now been completed.

Examples:

I have done yoga for four years.
She has done volunteer work for four years.
They have done research for four years.

Alternatives:

I have completed it over a period of four years.
I have practiced it for four years.

Answer 1

I have been doing it for four years

This phrase is correct and commonly used to indicate an ongoing action or activity that started in the past and continues up to the present.

Answer 2

I have done it for four years

This phrase is correct and commonly used to indicate a completed action or activity that started in the past and lasted for a period of four years.

"I have been doing it for four years" vs "I have done it for four years"

I have been doing it for four years

I have done it for four years

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