How can you show that an activity started in the past and is *still happening* right now? The present perfect continuous is the perfect tense to emphasize the duration of an action. It’s your tool for answering the question, “How long has this been going on?” ⏳
Function & Usage
We use the present perfect continuous to focus on the length of time an action has been in progress. The action started in the past and continues to the present, or has just recently stopped.
- Unfinished Actions: To describe an action that began in the past and is still true now. We often use it with ‘for’ and ‘since’.
Example: I have been waiting for the bus for 30 minutes. (I started waiting 30 minutes ago and I am still waiting). - Recently Finished Actions with a Present Result: For a continuous action that has just stopped but has a clear result in the present.
Example: I’m so tired because I have been studying all night. (The studying is over, but the result is that I am tired now).
The Structure (Form)
The structure is always made of three parts: the verb have/has, the word been, and the main verb with an -ing ending.
| Subject | Structure | Example |
|---|---|---|
| I / You / We / They | have + been + verb-ing | They have been talking. |
| He / She / It | has + been + verb-ing | She has been working. |
| Negative (-) | haven’t/hasn’t + been + verb-ing | It hasn’t been raining. |
| Question (?) | Have/Has + Subject + been + verb-ing? | Have you been waiting long? |
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using it with stative verbs: Verbs that describe states, not actions (like ‘know’, ‘like’, ‘own’, ‘be’), are not used in this tense. Incorrect: “I have been knowing him for years.” Correct: “I have known him for years.” (Use Present Perfect Simple).
- Forgetting ‘been’: All three parts are necessary. Incorrect: “They have working all day.” Correct: “They have been working all day.”
Let’s see it in action! 🎬
Person A: You look exhausted!
Person B: I am. I have been cleaning the house all morning.
Person A: Is it raining outside?
Person B: Yes, and it has been raining for three hours! I hope it stops soon.
Manager: How long have you been working on this project?
Employee: I’ve been working on it since last Monday.
Check Your Understanding! ✅
1. She for three hours. (study)
2. We for you all morning. (wait)
3. It since last night. (snow)
4. I tired recently. (feel)
5. They here for ten years. (live)
6. How long ___ you been learning English?
7. He is tired because he ___ all day.
8. I haven’t ___ sleeping well lately.
9. She ___ that TV show since it started.
10. What have you ___ with your time?
