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I am confused about the use of present perfect simple/present perfect continuous at a time when the person has decided to stop the activity.

For instance, which one of the two sentences is correct.

We have been studying for two hours, but now we should take a break.

We have studied for two hours, but now we should take a break.

Is it possible that both the sentences are correct? If so, do they mean the same thing?

PS. I have read a lot of posts at ELL about the correct use of present perfect and perfect continuous tense. But I am still confused about the correct usage in this context. I hope someone expert in English grammar can answer the question.

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    Both are idiomatic and mean the same, but I would say the first sounds more natural. Aug 9, 2021 at 8:23

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We have been studying for two hours, so now we should take a break.

gives a better sense that the break would occur immediately after the two hour period.

Also, I would use "so", not "but". There are no contrasting phrases, just a progression of events.

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