Present Perfect Continuous

The present perfect continuous tense, also known as the present perfect progressive tense, is used to describe actions that started in the past and are still continuing or have recently stopped, with an emphasis on the duration of the action. This tense is essential for expressing ongoing activities that connect the past and present.

What Is Present Perfect Continuous Tense?

The present perfect continuous tense is formed using the present perfect of the verb “to be” (have/has been) followed by the present participle of the main verb (verb + -ing). While actions are completed in present perfect tense, in present perfect continuous action is still going on.

How It Is Used

Affirmative Sentences

• Subject + have/has been + verb-ing
• Example: She has been reading a book.

Negative Sentences

Negative sentences are formed by adding “not” after “have/has.”

• Example: They have not (haven’t) been watching TV.

Questions

Questions are formed by placing “have/has” before the subject.

• Example: Have you been coming to the gym regularly?

When It Is Used

Actions That Started in the Past and Continue to the Present

The present perfect continuous tense is used to describe actions that began in the past and are still happening.

• Example: I have been working on this project for two hours.

Recent Actions That Have Just Stopped

It is used to talk about actions that have recently stopped but have a present result.

• Example: She has been running and now she is tired.

Emphasizing Duration

The present perfect continuous tense is often used to emphasize the duration of an activity.

• Example: They have been traveling for six months.

Actions That Show a Temporary Situation

It can describe temporary actions or situations that may not be permanent.

• Example: He has been living with his parents for the last few months.

Examples

Affirmative Sentences

• We have been studying for the exam all week.
• He has been practicing the piano every day.

Negative Sentences

• She has not (hasn’t) been eating properly.
• I have not (haven’t) been feeling well lately.

Questions

• Have you been working here long?
• Has he been studying hard?

Present Perfect Continuous Tense Exercises

Convert the following sentences into the present perfect continuous tense:

1. She (read) ______ that book for hours.
2. They (not/eat) ______ lunch yet.
3. He (study) ______ for the test all morning.
4. (you/work) ______ on this project since last week?
5. We (plan) ______ our vacation for months.
6. I (learn) ______ Spanish for two years.
7. The kids (play) ______ outside all day.
8. She (not/sleep) ______ well lately.
9. (he/practice) ______ the guitar every day?
10. They (build) ______ their house for the past year.

Answers:

1. She has been reading that book for hours.
2. They have not (haven’t) been eating lunch yet.
3. He has been studying for the test all morning.
4. Have you been working on this project since last week?
5. We have been planning our vacation for months.
6. I have been learning Spanish for two years.
7. The kids have been playing outside all day.
8. She has not (hasn’t) been sleeping well lately.
9. Has he been practicing the guitar every day?
10. They have been building their house for the past year.

Understanding the present perfect continuous tense is vital for effectively communicating actions that are ongoing or have recently stopped with an emphasis on the duration. So, mastering its forms and uses, you can accurately describe ongoing activities and their relevance to the present.