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Present Perfect Continuous- Rules and exercises for intermediate level

Friday, 04 September 2009
Example of present perfect continuous: I have been walking Example of present perfect continuous: I have been walking This image is licensed under the Creative Commons Zero (CC0) license

An overview of the present perfect continuous tense explains what rules you need to follow when using this tense, with examples and exercises to help you learn. This online lesson in English grammar is designed for intermediate students.

Form of the present perfect continuous

Present perfect continuous: positive and negative

I

We

You

They

've

haven't

been walking.
He/ She/ It

has

hasn't

Present perfect continuous: question

How long have

I

We

You

They

been walking?
has He/ She/ It

Use of the present perfect continuous

We use the present perfect continuous to express:

1) an action or activity that began in the past and is still in progress.

  • The child is very quiet. He's been watching videos all morning (it is still morning, he's still watching videos).
  • I've been playing guitar for five years. (and I am still studying guitar).
  • We've been waiting for Mark for two hours (we are still waiting now).
  • She's been listening to Radiohead for nearly an hour. She feels sad.

2) a past activity or action with a duration, that has caused present effects. The activity might be finished or might not. The sentence usually gives you the meaning.

  • Where have you been? I've been waiting for you for the last half hour.
  • They have been studying all day so they are tired.
  • A - Why are you out of breath?
    B - I've just been playing football.
  • A - You look great! Have you been on holiday?
    B - No, but I've been watching my diet.
published in Present Perfect Tense