Compare be -ing and have -en
We use am/are/is + -ing for unfinished, but soon to be completed actions.
We use have/has + -en for recently completed actions.
I‘m mopping the floor. (started or not started)
I‘m not fixing the door. It isn’t broken.
Are you washing the windows? I hope you plan to do it soon.
I‘ve fixed the door.
I haven’t mopped the floor.
Have you washed the windows?
We use am/are/is + -ing for things that are unfinished: definite future experiences.
We use have/has + -en for experiences we have in the present.
I‘m riding a motorcycle next week. I am experiencing it soon.
I‘m not going to Salt Lake City. I am never having the experience.
Are you watching Star Wars soon? Are you experiencing it soon?
I‘ve ridden a motorcycle.
I haven’t been to Salt Lake City.
Have you seen Star Wars?
We use am/are/is + -ing with for to talk about periods of time from start to end.
We use have/has + -en with for or since to talk about a period of time up to now.
I‘m living here for a month. (total: from when I moved to when I leave)
I‘m not working here for long. I have a short contract.
I’m in Costa Rica now. How long are you staying in Costa Rica?*
I‘ve lived here for a month. (to now: from when I moved to now)
I haven’t worked here for long. I’m new here.
How long have you been in Costa Rica?(from arriving to now)
*We answer by saying the total time, ‘For a month total’, or additional time, ‘For two more weeks’.