Present Perfect Continuous
AFFIRMATIVE
We use have/has plus been plus the -ing form of the main verb.
1. I have been working | 1. We have been working |
2. You have been working | 2. You have been working |
3. He/She/It has been working | 3. They have been working |
NEGATIVE
Note that it is uncommon to use the Present Perfect Continuous in negative form. We usually use the Present Perfect.
Example: I haven’t talked to my friend for a week instead of I haven’t been talking to my friend for a week.
However, if you need to use the negative form, then just put the negative particle not after have or has ( haven’t/hasn’t been + – ing).
INTERROGATIVE
We change tha place of have or has and the subject of the sentence to form questions.
1. Have I been working? | 1. Have we been working? |
2. Have you been working? | 2. Have you been working? |
3. Has he/she/it been working? | 3. Have they been working? |
We use the Present Perfect Continuous for:
- ACTIONS THAT STARTED IN THE PAST AND CONTINUE UP TO NOW. ( with since and for) However, if you use a state verb, then you must put it into the Present Perfect. ( see Present Perfect)
Example: I have been reading for three hours. She has been cooking since 5 p.m.
2. FOR RECENTLY COMPLETED CONTINUOUS ACTIONS, THE RESULT OF WHICH IS VISIBLE NOW. ( with all day, all morning etc.)
Example: She is tired. (result) She has been working all day. He is exhausted (result). He has been studying all morning.
Do the quiz here