Understanding the Present Perfect Continuous Tense

The Present Perfect Continuous tense is used to describe actions that started in the past and are still continuing now, or actions that have recently stopped but have a visible result in the present.

What Is the Present Perfect Continuous Tense?

The Present Perfect Continuous combines the idea of the past, present, and duration. It focuses on how long an action has been happening or the activity itself.

Examples:

I have been studying English for three hours.
She has been working here since 2020.
They have been waiting for the bus.
He is tired because he has been running.

Present Perfect Continuous Structure

Sentence Type	Structure	Example
Positive	Subject + have/has + been + verb-ing	She has been learning English.
Negative	Subject + have/has + not + been + verb-ing	They have not been studying.
Question	Have/Has + subject + been + verb-ing?	Have you been working?

Using Have and Has

Subject	Auxiliary Verb	Example
I / You / We / They	have been	They have been waiting.
He / She / It	has been	She has been studying.

Uses of the Present Perfect Continuous

1. Actions That Started in the Past and Continue Now

We use this tense for actions that began in the past and are still happening.

I have been learning English for two years.
She has been working at the company since January.
They have been living here for a long time.

2. Actions That Recently Stopped With Present Results

We use this tense when an action has just finished and its effects can be seen now.

He is tired because he has been running.
The ground is wet because it has been raining.
She looks tired because she has been studying all night.

3. Emphasizing Duration

The Present Perfect Continuous often focuses on the length of time an activity has continued.

We have been waiting for two hours.
He has been teaching English since 2015.

Common Time Expressions

Common words used with the Present Perfect Continuous include:

for
since
all day
all morning
recently
lately
how long

Examples:

How long have you been studying English?
She has been working all day.

Present Perfect vs Present Perfect Continuous

Present Perfect	Present Perfect Continuous
I have read three books.	I have been reading for three hours.
She has cleaned the house.	She has been cleaning the house all morning.
They have worked here for five years.	They have been working here for five years.

Stative Verbs and Continuous Forms

Some verbs describe states, feelings, or thoughts and are usually not used in continuous forms.

I have known him for years. (Not: I have been knowing him)
She has liked this book for a long time. (Not: She has been liking this book)
They have believed the story for years. (Not: They have been believing the story)

Common Mistakes With Present Perfect Continuous

Incorrect	Correct
I have been study English for two years.	I have been studying English for two years.
She has been work here since 2020.	She has been working here since 2020.
They have been waiting since three hours.	They have been waiting for three hours.

Present Perfect Continuous Exercises

Complete the sentences with the correct form of the verb:

She _____ (study) English for three years.
They _____ (wait) for the bus since 8 o'clock.
I _____ (work) on this project all day.
How long _____ you _____ (learn) English?

Present Perfect Continuous Summary

The Present Perfect Continuous describes actions continuing from the past to the present.
It is formed with have/has + been + verb-ing.
It focuses on duration, activity, or visible results.
Common words include for, since, all day, recently, and lately.