00 / Verbs & Tenses
Present perfect continuous
The present perfect continuous describes actions that started in the past and are still happening now, or actions that have recently finished and have a visible result.
B1Intermediate
01 / Overview
This tense focuses on the duration or the process of an activity. It connects the past to the present in two main ways:
- An action that began in the past and continues into the present moment.
- An action that has just stopped but has a clear effect or result in the present.
02 / Form
subject + have/has + been + verb-ing
The tense is formed using the auxiliary verb have or has, the past participle been, and the -ing form of the main verb.
03 / Present Perfect Simple vs. Continuous
Use the continuous form when you want to emphasize how long something has been happening, often using for or since.
| Present Perfect Simple | Present Perfect Continuous |
|---|---|
| Focuses on the result or completion: 'I have painted the room.' (The job is finished). | Focuses on the activity or duration: 'I have been painting the room.' (I might still be painting). |
| Used with state verbs (know, like, believe). | Used with action verbs (run, wait, work). |
04 / Examples
05 / Common mistakes
I am waiting here for three hours.
I have been waiting here for three hours.
Use the present perfect continuous, not the present continuous, to say how long an action has been happening.
I have been knowing him for years.
I have known him for years.
State verbs like 'know' are not usually used in the continuous form.
06 / Practice
Complete the sentence: She is out of breath because she ___ (run).
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Answer: has been running
Why: The present perfect continuous is used for a recent activity that has a visible result in the present (being out of breath).
Correct the error: We are living in this house since 2015.
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Answer: We have been living in this house since 2015.
Why: When using 'since' to describe an action that started in the past and continues now, the present perfect continuous is required.
Choose the correct form: I (have been reading / have read) this book all morning and I'm only on page 10.
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Answer: have been reading
Why: The phrase 'all morning' emphasizes the duration and ongoing nature of the activity, making the continuous form the best choice.