Present Perfect Continuous
When do we use the Present Perfect Continuous?
The Present Perfect Continuous is a combination of past and present where actions begun in the past have some connection to the present in that they are continuing or there is a result in the present.
1. actions beginning in the past and still continuing – often used with since (point of time) or for (period of time)
I have been waiting for you all morning. (I am still waiting.)
I have been studying since 9 a.m. (I am still studying.)
2. recently completed actions but with a result in the present – often used with just.
You look hot. Yes I have just been running. (Running has finished but there is a present result – he looks hot.)
Sorry about the mess I have been painting the room. ( Painting has finished but the mess is a present result.)
3. Signal words
- all day
- for
- just
- since
- the whole day/morning/week etc.,
- Questions with How long….?
4. Form
have/has + been + infinitive + –ing
5. Examples
5.1. Affirmative sentences in the Present Perfect Continuous
Long forms | Contracted forms |
---|---|
I have been learning English. | I‘ve been learning English. |
You have been learning English. | You‘ve been learning English. |
He has been learning English. | He‘s been learning English. |
5.2. Negative sentences in the Present Perfect Continuous
Long forms | Contracted forms |
---|---|
I have not been learning English. | I‘ve not been learning English. |
I haven’t been learning English. | |
You have not been learning English. | You‘ve not been learning English. |
You haven’t been learning English. | |
He has not been learning English. | He‘s not been learning English. |
He hasn’t been learning English. |
5.3. Questions in the Present Perfect Continuous
Long forms | Contracted forms |
---|---|
Have I been learning English? | not possible |
Have you been learning English? | |
Has he been learning English? |
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