What Is the Present Perfect Continuous?
The present perfect continuous is have / has been + -ing. It talks about an activity that started before now and is still going on, or has only just stopped. The focus is how long.
STILL GOING ONHow long
Started 40 minutes ago. Still waiting.
I've been waiting for 40 minutes.
JUST STOPPEDYou can see the sign
The streets are wet. It's been raining.
Still going on, and you say how long: have / has been + -ing.
TRY IT
- Question 1
"Minh blank football for two hours. He's really hungry now."
The forms
POSITIVE
Shave / has been-ing
She's been cooking since six o'clock.
He / she / it → has been. Short: I've been, she's been.
NEGATIVE
Shaven't / hasn't been-ing
Tú hasn't been feeling well this week.
QUESTION
Have / HasSbeen-ing?
How long has Hà been working at the café?
TRY IT
- Question 1
"My sister blank for a job since she finished university."
Have Done or Have Been Doing?
| SIMPLE | CONTINUOUS | |
|---|---|---|
| Answers | How many? Is it finished? | How long? What have you been doing? |
| Example | I've written three emails. | I've been writing emails all morning. |
How many takes the simple form, how long the continuous. Verbs like know, like, want, own stay simple: I've known her for years.
TRY IT
- Question 1
"I blank four chapters of this book so far."
Common mistakes
Incorrect:I'm working here for two years.
Correct:I've been working here for two years.
For two years reaches back into the past. Add have been.
Incorrect:I have learning English since 2020.
Correct:I've been learning English since 2020.
Been is missing. Have never goes straight to -ing.
Incorrect:I've been reading three books this month.
Correct:I've read three books this month.
Three books is a finished number. Use the simple form.
Incorrect:I've been knowing him since 2010.
Correct:I've known him since 2010.
Know is a state, so it stays simple.
Quick check · 5 questions
Choose the correct form:
Lan has been playing the piano since she was seven.
- A. has been playing — Correct
- B. is playing
- C. has playing
Answer: A. has been playing
Has playing is missing been.
Choose the correct question:
Your hands are covered in paint. Have you been painting the fence?
- A. Have you been painting — Correct
- B. Have you painting
- C. Did you been painting
Answer: A. Have you been painting
Ask with have + subject + been + -ing.
Choose the correct form:
We have known each other since primary school.
- A. have known — Correct
- B. have been knowing
- C. are knowing
Answer: A. have known
Know is a state, not an activity.
Choose the correct form:
Dad has lost five kilos since he started cycling.
- A. has lost — Correct
- B. has been losing
Answer: A. has lost
How much takes the simple form. How long takes -ing.
Choose the correct question:
Sorry I'm late! Have you been waiting long?
- A. Have you been waiting — Correct
- B. Are you waiting
- C. Have you waiting
Answer: A. Have you been waiting
Ask about the whole wait with have been + -ing.
See whether it really stuck.
Start the quiz · 14 questions