Present Perfect Continuous
Talk about activities that started in the past and are still going on, or have just stopped.
12 minIntermediate
1The grammar
Use the Present Perfect Continuous for an activity that started in the past and is still happening: I have been working here since 2021. It is very common with 'how long', 'for' and 'since'.
We also use it for an activity that has recently stopped, when we can see the result now: You look tired. Have you been running?
Make it with have or has + been + verb + -ing. In speaking, we usually use the short forms: I've been waiting. She's been studying.
Compare it with the Present Perfect Simple. The continuous form focuses on the activity: I've been writing emails all morning. The simple form focuses on the result or on how many: I've written ten emails. Verbs like know, believe, own and belong normally take the simple form: I've known her for years.
2Structure and formation
Positive
Subject + have / has + been + verb + -ing
They have been living in Oslo.
Negative
Subject + haven't / hasn't + been + verb + -ing
He hasn't been sleeping well.
Question
Have / Has + subject + been + verb + -ing?
Have you been waiting long?
How long
How long + have / has + subject + been + verb + -ing?
How long has she been working here?
For and since
for + a period; since + a starting point
for two hours; since Monday
3Examples
I've been learning English for three years.
Started in the past and still going on.
She has been working at the bank since January.
'Since' gives the starting point.
It's been raining, and the roads are wet.
The activity has just stopped, and we can see the result.
How long have you been waiting?
A very common question with this tense.
We haven't been going to the gym lately.
Negative: haven't been + -ing.
I've been reading this book, and I've read 100 pages.
The activity, then the result, in the simple form.
4Common mistakes
I am living here for five years.
I have been living here for five years.
For an activity from the past until now, do not use the present continuous.
She has been work all day.
She has been working all day.
After 'been', use the -ing form.
I've been knowing him since 2015.
I've known him since 2015.
'Know' normally does not take a continuous form.
We've been waiting since two hours.
We've been waiting for two hours.
Use 'for' with a period of time, and 'since' with a starting point.
5Practical usage
Explaining a situation
Use it to explain why something looks or feels the way it does: Sorry about the mess. I've been painting the kitchen.
Talking about your work and studies
It is useful in interviews and small talk: I've been working in marketing for six years.
Now practise it
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