Present Perfect Continuous

have been/has been + present participle. ie. -ing

Duration from the past to now

I have been working here for five years.

Recently, lately

Recently, I have been feeling really tired.

1. Duration from the past to now

We use the Present Perfect Continuous to show that something started in the past and has continued upto now. For ten minutes, for two months, and since Monday are all durations which can be used with the Present Perfect Continuous.

  • I have been working here for five years.
  • He has been studying English for one year.
  • She has been sleeping for the last hour.
  • I have been waiting here for two hours.
  • John has been studying at the college since May.

2. Recently, lately

You can use the Present Perfect Continuous WITHOUT a duration such as for ten minutes, for two months, and since Monday. We often use the word recently in the sentence to strengthen this meaning.

  • Recently, I have been feeling really tired.

3. IMPORTANT Non-Continuous Verbs/ Mixed Verbs

Some English verbs do not form a continuous tense, hence the name non-continuous verbs. These include for example the verb "to love", "to like" or "to belong".


Other English verbs have several meanings, one of which usually do not form a continuous tense. These verbs are called mixed verbs.. These include for example the verb "to have" or "to be".


If these verbs occur in a sentence, where we would normally use the Present continuous tense, we must replace it with the Present perfect.

  • Sam has been having his bike for 6 months. Incorrect
  • Sam has had his bike for 6 months. Correct

4. Passive / Active

  • Recently, Pavel has been doing the work. Active
  • Recently, the work has been being done by Pavel. Passive

The Present perfect continuous tense in not used in the Passive form very often.

 

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