1

Present Perfect Continuous

Present Perfect Continuous

2

Form Form

HAVE/HAS + BEEN + -ING

Example: I have been working. She hasn‘t

been working. Have they been working? How long have you been working? What has he been doing?

State verbs cannot be used in the continuous tense!!!

Example: I‘ve known him for a long time.

3

Use of all continuous tenses

Use of all continuous tenses

1. Activity in progress

2. Temporary activity

3. Possibly incomplete activity

BASIC RULE: If it is possible, it is more natural to

use the continuous tense!

4

Use of Present Perfect Continuous

(1)

Use of Present Perfect Continuous

(1)

1. It expresses an activity which began in the past and is still in progress now.

We emphasize the duration (how long, for, since)

Example: I‘ve been learning English for

three years. How long have you been working here?

5

Use of Present Perfect Continuous

(2)

Use of Present Perfect Continuous

(2)

2. It expresses a recent longer activity which has caused a present result.

The activity may be finished or not.

Example: She has been painting the

room. Her clothes are covered in paint.