do and dynamic verbs in the Present Perfect Continuous
How to use special verbs in the Present Perfect Continuous
We do not normally use verbs which express a state with this tense. We prefer verbs which describe a process.
A verb which expresses an action (dynamic verb) can form both Present Perfect Simple and Present Perfect Continuous:
1. Present Perfect Simple
I have painted the house. (The focus is on the result. – the house is painted.)
2. Present Perfect Continuous
I have been painting the house all afternoon. (The focus is on the duration of the action.)
A verb which expresses a state can only be used in the Present Perfect Simple:
I have known her for a long time.
Have a look at verbs which are not used in continuous forms (state verbs).
3. do as a main verb
Pronouns | Affirmative sentences | Negative sentences | Questions |
---|---|---|---|
I | I have been doing the cleaning. | I have not been doing the cleaning. | Have I been doing the cleaning? |
you | You have been doing the cleaning. | You have not been doing the cleaning. | Have you been doing the cleaning? |
he, she, it | He has been doing the cleaning. | He has not been doing the cleaning. | Has he been doing the cleaning? |
we, you, they | They have been doing the cleaning. | They have not been doing the cleaning. | Have they been doing the cleaning? |
► We can substitute haven’t been doing (hasn’t been doing) for have not been doing (has not been doing).
Explanations
- Present Perfect Continuous – Overview
- Diagram of the Present Perfect Continuous
- Form of the Present Perfect Continuous
- Do & Dynamic Verbs in the Present Perfect Continuous
- Questions in the Present Perfect Continuous
- Signal Words for the Present Perfect Continuous
- Short Forms and Long Forms in the Present Perfect Continuous
- Spelling of Verbs in the Present Perfect Continuous