Hi! Is this correct and what is the difference: Who has been living / has lived in this house?

Question

Answer

The meanings are different.

The first says that you believe that there is a present consequence which results from people living in the house in the past. So it is focused on the most recent or current occupants.

The second is simply talking about the past, with no direct suggestion that it has an effect on the present. It’s only talking about the past.

Answer

Both are correct. The first choice ("been living") refers to the people who have been RECENTLY living there, and also includes people who are living there right now.

The second choice ("has lived") refers to the people who have EVER lived there, and also includes the people who are living there right now.

If you want to know who is living there right now, neither question will tell you the answer. You would have to ask "Who is living in this house?" or "Who lives in this house?"

Answer

Hi👋🏻

Yes, the sentence is correct. The difference between "Who has been living" and "Who has lived" lies in their usage and nuance.

1. "Who has been living in this house?" - This sentence implies an ongoing or continuous action. It suggests that the person is still living in the house at the time of asking.

2. "Who has lived in this house?" - This sentence refers to a past action without specifying whether the person is still living there or not. It simply asks about the individuals who have had the experience of living in the house at some point in the past.

In summary, the first sentence focuses on the current situation of someone residing in the house, while the second sentence is more general and inquires about the past inhabitants, without implying their current status.