We use basic cookies to provide this service, CLICK FOR MORE INFO

Present Perfect Continuous - Uses

[All information copyrighted to EnglishAdam.com]

PRESENT PERFECT CONTINUOUS
This is a practical oversimplification which will be right most of the time. For more detailed information see Mastery of the Tenses!
Main Uses for the Present Perfect Continuous
"have been doing" / "has been doing"

For focusing on Activity not Result when using the Present Perfect.
  • Have you been waiting long?
    • (I am worried you are angry because of the activity of waiting.)
  • I have been running all morning, that's why I am sitting down now.
    • (I am tired because of the activity of running.)
  • You have been working in the garden all morning, you need to get changed!
    • (Your clothes are dirty because of the activity of gardening.)
For activities, not states, that are still continuing.
  • I have been working all day.
  • How long have they been talking on the phone?
  • She has been studying English for 3 years.
For recent finished events, but again to focus on the activity.
  • I’ve just been talking to your stupid friend for an hour.
  • You’ve been running around all day, take a break.
  • We’ve been looking for you!
[Sourced: EnglishAdam.com]

Test Your Knowledge!

Question


Which tense do we normally use for activities, not states, that are still continuing up and until now?

Name the use!


Click to show

Answer


Present Perfect Continuous

Notes


Click to show

Notes


How long have they been talking on the phone?
2504107856

...SENDING...


[EnglishAdam.com]

Practice Your Knowledge!

Question


Jack has (been trying/tried) to get his book published for ages but so far no one said ‘yes’.

Choose 'Most Likely' Option


Click to show

Answer


Jack has been trying to get his book published for ages but so far no one said ‘yes’.

Notes


Click to show

Notes


No specific notes on this question yet, sorry.
4058382158

...SENDING...



Visitors' Questions, Ideas etc

No comments or questions.
Do you have something to say or ask?
What's on your mind about this page?:
Name (optional):
Email (optional - but I will answer you directly too!)

THANK YOU!

I will respond A.S.A.P!
(Within an hour or two & 95% within 24 hours!)
If there is a valid email I will answer you directly.
TO CHECK THIS PAGE MANUALLY,
use this URL:
https://www.englishadam.com/Present-Perfect-Continuous-Uses



Manage Your Studies!

Here you can CLICK to record how you feel about this reading:
Do you understand it?
Would you like to read it again?
etc

Changed!
Changed!
Changed!
Changed!
Changed!