Home Grammar Verbs Present Perfect Continuous The present perfect continuous also called the present perfect progressive is a verb form that we use to describe an action that started in the past and either recently finished or is still continuing. Although only about .7% of verbs in speech are in the past perfect, this verb tense can be very useful in certain reading to learn how to form the present perfect continuous and when to use it, including tons of examples and charts!Just to avoid confusion, continuous and progressive are just different names for this same thing. In some countries, one term is more common than the other, but continuous is more common overall, so we use that term. Chart for Present Perfect Continuous in English The present perfect continuous is a little bit tricky. If you find a website that claims to explain it in just a few sentences, you should be suspicious. We use this tense in a number of different situations, and it can have different meanings in those different situations. We can look at three common ways that the present perfect progressive is used to describe new routines, to describe recently completed actions, and for actions that are still Routines and HabitsIn general, we use the simple present to talk about routines and habits If I go jogging every day or a couple of times a week, I can simply say, I jog, right?But what if this is a new habit? Maybe I have gone jogging every day for the past two weeks, so it is a routine, but it might feel funny to just say I jog. I am a jogger. In situations like this, where we want to demonstrate that a habit or routine is somewhat new, the present perfect continuous is the form that we want to use. Here are a few more examples This has been a difficult month. She has been working long hours. Iāve been going to the gym lately. Weāve been cooking at home more recently Recently Completed ActionsWe also use the present perfect continuous to talk about actions that have just recently ended, especially when there is still evidence of that action. For example, after you paint, you may still have paint on your hands. To explain this, you would use the present perfect progressive Sorry, my hands are dirty. I've just been painting. Take a look at these other examples The house is a mess because we've just been redecorating. Sorry, I'm all sweaty. I've been exercising. Why are you two crying? Have you been fighting? Notice that in each of these examples, there is sensory evidence the mess, sweating, crying of the recently completed actions painting, exercising, fighting. This is almost always the case when using the present perfect continuous in this Still Happening with For and SinceThis is probably the most common way that this verb form is used. This is very important When we see the present perfect continuous with for or since, the action started at a specific time in the past and is still happening. Here are some examples Michele has been living in Boston since June. Juana's been writing her thesis for 6 months. In the first example, Michele still lives in Boston. In the second example, Juana still works at Apple. Again, when you see for or since with this verb tense, the action or situation described by the main verb is still continuing. See Signal Words, below, for more information about how we use for and are more examples with for and since Cara's been working at FedEx for 3 years now. I've been thinking about changing jobs for a long time. We've been developing a new strategic plan since late last year. You have been traveling back and forth to California since you got married, right? Forming the Present Perfect continuousFormulaForming the present perfect continuous isnāt difficult. You will always use the same formula have/has + been + VERBingYou could also think of it as simple steps, tooFirst, choose either have if the subject is plural or the pronouns I, you, we, or they or has if the subject is a singular noun, he, she, or it. Then use been. Then use your main verb with is the verb work conjugated into the present perfect continuous. Present Perfect Continuous Tense Verb Conjugation Singular Plural 1st person I have been working. we have been working. 2nd person you have been working. you have been working. 3rd person he has been working. they have been working. she has been working. it has been working. Notice that we can see both the perfect and the continuous aspect in this form. Have been is the perfect aspect. Been verb-ing is continuous Forms of the Present Perfect continuousNegative SentencesYou always have two helping verbs in the present perfect continuous have/has and been. To make a negative, simply put not in between them! She has not been living here for a long time. I have not been reading much recently. They have not been working late. Because the present perfect continuous uses so many words, we often use contractions with not to make it a little shorter She hasn't been living here for a long time. I haven't been reading much recently. QuestionsTo make a question, simply put has/have before the subject. Has she been living here for a long time? Have you been working out lately? You look great! What have you been reading? When have you been going to bed lately? Passive VoiceMaking passive sentences with more complex verb forms like the present perfect continuous is extremely uncommon and almost always awkward in English. We really recommend that you rephrase a sentence to avoid creating such an awkward sentence. We have been being observed a lot at work. See the awkwardness in the sentence above? If you really need to make a passive sentence in this verb form, we often use the get passive to avoid the unnatural combination of been get in the present perfect progressive has been getting, have been getting and then the perfect form of the main verb. We have been getting observed a lot at work lately. I've been getting kicked off the internet every 5 minutes. Signal WordsRecently or LatelyWhen we are talking about new routines and habits, itās common to use the word recently or lately, which both have the same meaning in this sense. There is some flexibility in where we can put these words in a sentence, but the beginning or end of the clause is a safe a look at these examples Lately, I've been thinking a lot about Aunt Maude. We've been having second thoughts about moving recently. JustWe can use the adverb just to emphasize that an action was completed in the immediate past, right before now. Because the present perfect continuous can talk about actions that stopped right before now, it is common to use just with it. Have a look at these examples Don't mind these ridiculous old clothes. I've just been gardening. Hey Paul! I can't believe you're here. We've just been talking about you! For We already said, the most important signal words with the present perfect progressive are for and since. They are important because they change the meaning. Whenever you see for and since with this verb form, you know the action is still we use for, we specify the duration of the action. This could be the number of minutes or weeks or years. It could also be a more general phrase like a really long time or a little while. People have been living on this land for thousands of years. It's been raining for hours I've been studying English for half my life! SinceWhile for is used with a duration, since is used to specify the point in time when the action began. That could be a time or date. It can also be another event described with a clause, like since I was a child. People have been living on this land since about 800 It's been raining since noon. I've been studying English since I was a child. check out these other free grammar resources Related ContentSignal words help you to put in the correct tense. You can easily put in the correct form of the verb if you know the signal word and which tense it demands. The following table is for beginners. You have to keep in mind that in more complex structures it is important to have a look at the action in a sentence rather than spotting a signal word.
Present Perfect Continuous Tense present perfect progressive tense is used to express the action or task that started in the past and continues in present. Signal Words for two hours, for ________how longsince morning, since ______ Structure / Formula Subject + has/have + been + Base form+ing I have been travelling. SubjectAuxiliary verb present tense Auxiliary verb past participle Base form of verb+ing Positive Sentences To make the positive sentences, we use this structure, Subject + has/have + been + V1+ing + ⦠Examples of positive sentences He has been playing football for two child has been studying since has been kneading the have been playing my favorite have been working in this office since last year. Negative Sentences To make the sentence negative, we add notā after auxiliary verb present tense. Subject + has/have + not + been + V1+ing + ⦠Examples of negative sentences. Julia has not been making a sponge cake. He has not been reading his favorite has not been planting for three have not been studying since have not been traveling. Question Sentences Auxiliary verb present tense come at the start of the sentence and question mark at the end. Has/have + subject + been + V1+ing + ⦠+? Examples of question sentences. Has he been studying since morning?Has she been planting for two hours?Have they been traveling for two days?Has the farmer been ploughing the fields? Has he been smoking since 2011? Usage UsageExampleEmphasis on duration of action. I have been learning French since I went to school. To express anger and irritation Why have you been disturbing me? Time bound expressions since, for, lately, how long 1. He has been watching TV for two He has been smoking since 2015. Exercises He write an interesting take the dose of medicine for two farmer plant since learn drive the black car for five children watch the TV all day smoke for five mechanic fix my bike since plan my holidays for one obey the orders of his boss. View Present Perfect Continuous Tense Practice Test Exercise Answers He has been writing an interesting essay. I have been taking the dose of medicine for two days. The farmer has been planting since morning. I have been learning has been driving the black car for five years. The children have been watching the TV all day long. John has been smoking for five years. The mechanic has been fixing my bike since morning. I have been planning my holidays for one week. He has been obeying the orders of his boss. Present Perfect Continuous Tense
Continuousand Perfect Tenses Present Continuous Tense The present continuous tense is used to describe actions or conditions that are taking place at the present time, and for a period of time which includes the present time. Time markers generally used for present time are: now, this moment, these days, nowadays, or simply use the continuous tense in a sentence. The formula of present The Present Perfect Continuous uses two auxiliary verbs together with a main verb. In this lesson we look at the structure and use of the Present Perfect Continuous tense, as well as the use of for and since, followed by a quiz to check your understanding. Note that continuous tenses are also called progressive tenses. So the Present Perfect Continuous tense is sometimes called the Present Perfect Progressive tense. How do we make the Present Perfect Continuous tense? The structure of the Present Perfect Continuous tense is subject + auxiliary have + auxiliary be + main verb conjugated in Present Simple past participle have, has been present participle The first auxiliary have is conjugated in the Present Simple have, has The second auxiliary be is invariable in past participle form been The main verb is invariable in present participle form -ing For negative sentences we insert not after the first auxiliary verb. For question sentences, we exchange the subject and first auxiliary verb. Look at these example sentences with the Present Perfect Continuous tense subject auxiliary verb auxiliary verb main verb + I have been waiting for one hour. + You have been talking too much. - It has not been raining. - We have not been playing football. ? Have you been seeing her? ? Have they been doing their homework? Contraction with Present Perfect Continuous When we use the Present Perfect Continuous tense in speaking, we often contract the subject and the first auxiliary verb. We also sometimes do this in informal writing. I have been I've been You have been You've been He has been She has been It has been John has been The car has been He's been She's been It's been John's been The car's been We have been We've been They have been They've been I've been reading. Jenny's been helping us recently. In negative sentences, we may contract the first auxiliary verb and "not" I haven't been playing tennis. It hasn't been snowing. How do we use the Present Perfect Continuous tense? This tense is called the Present Perfect Continuous tense. There is usually a connection with the present or now. We use the Present Perfect Continuous to talk about past action recently-stopped past action still-continuing Present Perfect Continuous for past action just stopped We use the Present Perfect Continuous tense to talk about action that started in the past and stopped recently. There is usually a result now. I'm tired because I've been running. past present future Recent action Result now I'm tired [now] because I've been running. Why is the grass wet [now]? Has it been raining? You don't understand [now] because you haven't been listening. Present Perfect Continuous for past action continuing now We use the Present Perfect Continuous tense to talk about action that started in the past and is continuing now. This is often used with for or since. I have been reading for 2 hours. past present future Action started in past. Action is continuing now. I have been reading for 2 hours. I am still reading now. We've been studying since 9 o'clock. We're still studying now. How long have you been learning English? You are still learning now. We have not been smoking. And we are not smoking now. For and Since with Present Perfect Continuous tense We often use for and since with perfect tenses We use for to talk about a period of time three hours, two months, one decade We use since to talk about a point in past time 9 o'clock, 1st January, Monday for since a period of time a point in past time - - - - - - - - - - - - - ⢠- - - - - - - - - - 30 minutes four days Friday 3 months March 2 years 2010 3 centuries 1700 ages I left school ever the beginning of time etc etc Look at these example sentences using for and since with the Present Perfect Continuous tense I have been studying for three hours. I have been watching TV since 7pm. Tara hasn't been feeling well for two weeks. Tara hasn't been visiting us since March. He has been playing football for a long time. He has been living in Bangkok since he left school. For can be used with all tenses. Since is usually used with perfect tenses only. Present Perfect Continuous Quiz Back to 12 English Tenses EnglishClub Learn English Grammar Verbs Tense Tenses Present Perfect Continuous Tense Present perfect simple ( I have worked ) - English Grammar Today - a reference to written and spoken English grammar and usage - Cambridge DictionaryCONTENT ConjugationUsage The present perfect continuous tense, also known as the present perfect progressive, is generally used to put an emphasis on the procces or result of an action in the recent past without specifying the time. Signal words for the present perfect continuous tense include lately, all day, the whole week, since 1995, for 3 years, etc. Example Explanation My mom has been working as an accountant for 15 years. Here, the present perfect countinuous tense describes the action that has started in the past and emphasizes its progress. Conjugation Rule 1 To form the present perfect continuous tense, we use the structure have/has + been + verb in the -ing form. Here is an overview of how to conjugate the present perfect continuous in positive, negative and interrogative sentences PersonPositiveNegativeQuestion I / you / we / they I have been watching. You have not been watching. Have they been watching? he / she / it He has been watching. She has not been watching. Has it been watching? Note In spoken and informal English, we can also use contractions in the present perfect continuous tense - a short form of the verb have and particle not. Here's an overview of contractions for the present perfect continuous tense Long FormContractionExample have / have not 've / 've not, haven't we've / we've not, we haven't has / has not 's / 's not, hasn't he's / he's not, he hasn't Learn English with Langster Learn English with Langster Usage Rule 2 We use the present perfect continuous tense to describe an action in the recent past with emphasis on the action itself, not its result. Example Explanation My grandma has been cleaning in the garden all morning. The present perfect continuous is used to emphasize the action cleaning in the garden in the recent past all morning. Rule 3 We use the present perfect continuous tense to describe a single continuing action that started in the past and is incomplete, is still in progress at the present moment. Example Explanation Gardening is her passion, but she has been working as a teacher for 30 years. She still works as a teacher, therefore, the action is incomplete. Rule 4 We use the present perfect continuous tense to describe repeated actions that started in the past and continue now. Example Explanation She has been showing interest in gardening since she was a little kid. She is still interested in gardening, meaning that the action started in the past and continues now. Quiz Complete the sentence. I ___ been studying all day.The present perfect simple has a very similar use, which focuses on the result of the action, whereas the present perfect continuous focuses on the action itself. See my page here about the difference between the present perfect simple and the present perfect continuous for more explanation. For the present perfect continuous, we have extra information about spelling exceptions for verbs and time expressions that you can use. Spelling exceptions for verbs Sometimes we need to remove a letter, and other times we need to add another letter. Here are the exceptions 1 One 'e' at the end of a verb Remove the final 'e' and add 'ing'. Examples [live] I've been living in Germany. [save] I've been saving money for a new car. * Verbs ending in 'ee' These follow the normal rules. Examples [see] He's been seeing his friends. 2 Verb ends with consonant + one stressed vowel + one consonant Double the final consonant and add 'ing'. Examples [stop] I've been stopping work early recently. * Verbs ending with an unstressed vowel These follow the normal rules, and the last consonant is not doubled. Examples [develop] They've been developing a new idea at the company. 3 Verb ends in 'l' British English Double the final consonant and add 'ing'. Examples [travel] I've been travelling with friends. 4 Verb ends with 'ie' Change 'ie' to 'y' and add 'ing'. Examples [lie] She's been lying to the teacher. 5 Verb ends with 'ic' Add 'k' before -ing'. Examples [panic] He's been panicking about the exam. Time expressions used with present perfect continuous Here are time markers that can be used with the present perfect continuous. 1 for This gives a period of time. Examples I've been working at this company for two years. 2 since This gives a starting point. Examples I've been living in this apartment since 2015. 3 this week / month / year / today / all day These expressions can be used for periods of time that are not finished. Examples He's been studying hard this week. 3 recently This started not long ago. Examples We've been going to the gym recently. ALWAYS with past simple. He was always bothering me when I passed by. ALWAYS with past continuous. I have never studied French. NEVER with present perfect. Signal Words - Free download as Word Doc (.doc / .docx), PDF File (.pdf), Text File (.txt) or read online for free. English tenses signal words.
In this article you will learn about the present perfect continuous tense. You will learn when to use the present perfect continuous tense and will see present perfect continuous forms and present perfect continuous examples. The present perfect continuous is sometimes referred to as the present perfect IS THE PRESENT PERFECT CONTINUOUS?PRESENT PERFECT CONTINUOUS TENSE FORMWHEN TO USE THE PRESENT PERFECT CONTINUOUS?PRESENT PERFECT CONTINUOUS TIMELINEPRESENT PERFECT CONTINUOUS QUESTIONSPRESENT PERFECT CONTINUOUS TENSE EXAMPLESPRESENT PERFECT VS PRESENT PERFECT CONTINUOUSWhat Is The Present Perfect Continuous Tense?The present perfect continuous tense is used to speak about an action or condition that started in the past and continues until now. The present perfect can also be used to to talk about experiences or accomplishments that happened in a recent past time or time that is not yet finishedPresent Perfect Continuous Tense FormThe form of the present perfect continuous isSUBJECT + HAS/HAVE + BEEN + VERB + INGUsually contracted in speech Iāve, heās, sheās, etc.Or, when using the negative form it isSUBJECT + HAS/HAVE + NOT + BEEN + VERB + INGUsually contracted in speech havenāt /hasnātQuick TipThe present perfect continuous is often used with the words out for these signal words!since / forThis week/month/year, today, recently, latelyWhen To Use The Present Perfect Continuous?The present perfect continuous tense is used to speak about an action or condition that started in the past and continues until now. The present perfect can also be used to to talk about experiences or accomplishments that happened in a recent past time or time that is not yet finishedWe use the present perfect continuous if the action is still current or the action has a direct relationship with the present time. The continuous form emphasizes the duration and continuous nature of the present perfect continuous cannot be used with non-action verbs, sometimes called stative verbs. The present perfect continuous can only be used with verbs implying have been living in Miami since Perfect Continuous Questions ExamplesHow have you been doing recently?How long has he been living in Salt Lake City?Where have you been going out recently?Where has she been buying all of those shoes?What have you been doing since I last saw you?What has she been reading?Who have you been dating?Who has been teaching you this term?Why havenāt you been wearing a coat this week?Has it been raining?Have you been working out?Present Perfect Continuous Tense ExamplesIāve been thinking about you a lot been dating here for years. Sheās been working there for 10 years. You havenāt been doing your homework lately. They have been dreaming about that for ages. We have been living in this building since Perfect Vs Present Perfect ContinuousThe present perfect is used to talk about experiences or accomplishments that happened in the past and/or in a recent past time that is not yet finished. Both the present perfect and the present perfect continuous are used to speak about an action or condition that started in the past and continues until now or the action has a direct relationship with the present time. The continuous form emphasizes the duration and continuous nature of the present perfect continuous cannot be used with non-action verbs, sometimes called stative verbs. The present perfect continuous can only be used with verbs implying Perfect1. To talk about general experiences in the pastSpecific time is not important.Have you ever visited Key West? Yes, I have visited Key West many times. Have they ever been to Australia? No, they have never been to An action or condition that started in the past and continues until nowSIGNAL WORDS How longā¦? Since / For How long has she been married? She has been married for 2 long has it been since you talked to your friend? I havenāt talked to my friend since last To talk about experiences or accomplishments that happened in a recent past time or time that is not yet finishedSIGNAL WORDS This week/month/year, Today, Recently, Lately, Already, Just, YetHave you visited Key West this year? Yes, I have visited Key West twice this she already eaten lunch today? Yes, she has already eaten have you been lately? I have not seen you. I have been sick. I have been in Perfect ContinuousThe Present Perfect Continuous is often interchangeable with USES 2 & 3 aboveāACTION OR CONDITION FROM THE PAST UNTIL NOWāāTO TALK ABOUT EXPERIENCES THAT HAPPENED IN A RECENT PAST TIMEāWe only use the Present Perfect Continuous if the action is still current or the action has a direct relationship with the present time. The Continuous form emphasizes the duration and continuous nature of the Present Perfect Continuous cannot be used with Non-Action Verbs, sometimes called Stative Verbs. The Present Perfect Continuous can ONLY be used with Verbs Implying Action. Sometimes a verb can have a Stative meaning and an Active meaning. Note the How long have you lived in Miami? I have lived in Miami since How long have you been living in Miami? I have been living in Miami since 2006. TO LIVE is an active verb.Correct How long has she been married? She has been married for 2 How long has she been being married? She has been being married for 2 years. TO BE describes a state.Correct How many years have they had that red car? They have had that red car for 10 How many years have they been having that red car? They have been having that red car for 10 years. HAVE is not usually an active verb. In this case, it shows ownership, which is a state.Correct How long have you had lunch at that cafe? I have had lunch at that cafe for many How long have you been having lunch at that cafe? I have been having lunch at that cafe for many years.In this case TO HAVE means eat, so it is an active verb. Native speakers would prefer the perfect continuous form here.Correct How have you felt lately? I have felt great How have you been feeling lately? I have been feeling great lately. In this case, TO FEEL is an active verb.Do you have questions?Which English course or school should I choose?Do I need a visa to study English in the USA?Can you help me with accommodation?Our friendly Student Advisers will help you decide which option is best for your journey today!Click here to subscribe to our newsletter! TurnYourLanguageOnDo you need to improve your English? See the locations of our english language schools in the United States.
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