The present perfect continuous tense.

Verb Tenses: The present perfect continuous tense

Lesson Title

Verb Tenses:
The present perfect continuous tense.

Duration: 50 minutes
Nível: B-C1

Overview: The present perfect continuous tense

The present perfect continuous is used to describe an action that started in the past and has been continuing up to the present. It is formed by using the present perfect tense of the verb “to be” (has been) + the present participle (-ing) of the main verb. 

Example: “I have been eating breakfast for an hour.”

What is the present perfect continuous tense?

The present perfect progressive (also called present perfect continuous) is a verb tense used to express an action that began in the past and is still continuing in the present. It is formed by using the present perfect of the verb “to be” (has/have been) + the present participle (-ing) of the main verb.

For example:

  • “I have been studying for two hours.”
    The action of studying began in the past and is still continuing.
  • “They have been living in this city for five years.“
    The action of living in this city began in the past and is still continuing.
  • “I have been walking for 30 minutes.”
    The action of walking began in the past and is still continuing.

The present perfect is used to express actions that started in the past and continue to the present, or actions that were completed in the past but the time is not specified.

How should I use the present perfect continuous tense?

The present perfect continuous tense is used to express an action that began in the past and is still continuing in the present. It is formed by using the present perfect of the verb “to be” (has/have been) + the present participle (-ing) of the main verb.

Here are some tips for using the present perfect progressive tense:

Use the present perfect continuous when talking about an action that started in the past and is still continuing.

Use it to talk about an action that started in the past and is still continuing, and you want to emphasize the duration of the action.

Use it to talk about an action that started in the past and is still continuing and you want to show that the action is not yet finished.

Use it to talk about an action that started in the past and is still continuing and you want to show that the action is still in progress.

You can use it with phrases such as “for a while” or “for how long” to show the duration of the action.

When should I use the present perfect continuous tense?

To talk about an action or event that started in the recent past and is still continuing at the present time:

She has been working on that project for weeks.
I have been living in New York for two years.

To talk about a temporary action or habit that started in the past and is still continuing at the present time:

I have been going to the gym three times a week.
He has been eating healthier lately.

To talk about an action or event that has recently finished, but the result of the action is still visible or noticeable:

My hands are dirty. I have been working in the garden.
She is tired, she has been running all day.

To emphasize the duration of an action or event:

I have been waiting for you for over an hour.
They have been learning English for many years.

The present perfect continuous is used to express an action that began in the past and is still continuing in the present. It emphasizes the duration of an action, and is often used in conversation with phrases such as “for a while” or “for how long”.

Answer each question in the quiz.

Here is a quiz to help you practise using the present perfect continuous.

  1. How long have you been waiting for me?
  2. What have you been doing today?
  3. How long have you been studying for your exam?
  4. How long have you been playing the guitar?
  5. How long have you been cooking dinner?
  6. How long have you been working on that project?
  7. How long have you been running every morning?

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