"it is being used" or "it has been used"?

[claudiocrs]

Hi, I'd like to know what is the difference between "it is being used" or "it has been used". When am I supposed to used each one of the cases.
Thanks in advance

Claudio

 

[bhaisahab]

Hi, I'd like to know what is the difference between "it is being used" or "it has been used". When am I supposed to used each one of the cases.
Thanks in advance

Claudio

"It is being used" means that someone is using it at the moment.
"It has been used" means that at some time in the past, somone has used it.

 

[Barb_D]

Hi,
If you say "it is being used" then it would imply that it's being used at this very moment. Its use began in the past, continues now, and extending into the future, although you don't know how far.

If you say "it has been used" then it has certainly been used in the past, and although it doesn't seem that it's being used at this very moment, it is certainly possible that it will be used again.

Examples like this are easier if you use real examples.

The microscope is being used by someone else right now. You will have to wait.

The microscope has been used by every student in the class and they all say it's their favorite part of science class and can't wait to look at something new next week.