"I have been skipping this for many years" vs "I have skipped this for many years"

Question

"I have been skipping this for many years" vs "I have skipped this for many years"

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in slightly different contexts. 'I have skipped this for many years' implies a completed action of skipping in the past, while 'I have been skipping this for many years' suggests a continuous or repeated action of skipping over a period of time.

Last Updated: April 04, 2024

This phrase is used to convey that the action of skipping has been ongoing or repeated for many years, emphasizing the duration and continuity of the action.

Examples:

I have been skipping my meals for many years.
He has been skipping his piano lessons for many years.

Alternatives:

I have continuously skipped this for many years
I have repeatedly skipped this for many years

This phrase is used to indicate that skipping something has been done for many years in the past, with a sense of finality.

Examples:

I have skipped this annual event for many years.
She has skipped her morning exercise routine for many years.

Alternatives:

I skipped this for many years
I used to skip this for many years

Answer 1

I have been skipping this for many years

This phrase is correct and suggests a continuous or repeated action of skipping over a period of time.

Answer 2

I have skipped this for many years

This phrase is correct and implies a completed action of skipping in the past.