Present Progressive vs Present Perfect

Yasmin is in her office. At present she is working on her presentation.

Action at the time of speaking (at present) → Present progressive

Do you know Erik? – Yes, I have met him before.

An experience we have had at some point in our lives so far → Present perfect

Look! The cat is chasing the dog.

Action at the time of speaking (Look!) → Present progressive

I have known the two brothers for more than five years.

We use the present perfect – not the simple present or the present progressive – for states and actions that began in the past and continue into the present.

We are staying at a hotel at the moment because there has been a fire in our house.

Action around the time of speaking (at the moment) → Present progressive

Lillie can´t come to the door. She is having a shower right now.

Action at the time of speaking (right now) → Present progressive

My grandparents have lived in this house for forty years.

We use the present perfect – not the simple present or the present progressive – for states and actions that began in the past and continue into the present.

Do you want to go to the park? – Not now. I am waiting for my friends.

Action at the time of speaking → Present progressive

He often drinks coffee, but he is drinking a cup of tea now.

Action at the time of speaking (now) → Present progressive

Watch out! You are driving too fast!

Action at the time of speaking (Watch out!) → Present progressive

The students have left the classroom. It is empty.

We use the present perfect for actions in the past (The students have left the classroom) that have a direct impact on the present (The classroom is empty now).

The old castle has stood on the hilltop since the Norman Conquest.

We use the present perfect – not the simple present or the present progressive – for states and actions that began in the past and continue into the present.