The present perfect continuous tense is used to describe actions that began in the past and are still continuing or have recently stopped, but have an effect on the present. This tense is essential for expressing ongoing actions that have relevance to the current moment.
Structure of Present Perfect Continuous
The present perfect continuous is formed using the present perfect of the verb "to be" (has/have been) followed by the present participle (base verb + ing). The structure is:
Subject + has/have been + base verb + ing
This structure highlights the ongoing nature of an action and its connection to the present moment.
Examples with Explanations
1. She has been studying for three hours.
This sentence indicates that the action of studying began three hours ago and is still ongoing. The use of "has been" shows the connection to the present moment.
2. They have been working on the project since last week.
The action of working on the project started last week and continues up to now. "Have been working" emphasizes the ongoing nature of the task.
3. I have been feeling unwell lately.
The use of "have been feeling" indicates that the state of feeling unwell began in the recent past and persists into the present.
4. He has been living in New York for five years.
This sentence shows that he started living in New York five years ago and continues to live there now. The present perfect continuous form highlights the ongoing duration.
5. We have been waiting for the bus for 20 minutes.
The action of waiting started 20 minutes ago and is still happening. "Have been waiting" connects the past action to the present moment.
Present Perfect Continuous: Negatives
To form the negative, you simply add "not" after "has/have". The structure is:
Subject + has/have + not + been + base verb + ing
Examples of Negatives with Explanations
1. She has not been studying for three hours.
This sentence negates the action, indicating that she has not been engaged in studying for the specified period.
2. They have not been working on the project since last week.
The negative form shows that the action of working on the project has not been taking place since last week.
3. I have not been feeling unwell lately.
This sentence indicates that the state of feeling unwell has not been occurring recently.
4. He has not been living in New York for five years.
The negative form shows that he has not been residing in New York for the specified duration.
5. We have not been waiting for the bus for 20 minutes.
This sentence negates the ongoing action of waiting, indicating that it has not been happening for the specified time period.
Present Perfect Continuous: Questions
To form questions, you invert the subject and "has/have". The structure is:
Has/Have + subject + been + base verb + ing?
Examples of Questions with Explanations
1. Has she been studying for three hours?
This question inquires whether she has been engaged in studying for the specified duration.
2. Have they been working on the project since last week?
The question asks if the action of working on the project has been ongoing since last week.
3. Have you been feeling unwell lately?
This question checks if the state of feeling unwell has been occurring recently.
4. Has he been living in New York for five years?
The question asks whether he has been residing in New York for the specified duration.
5. Have we been waiting for the bus for 20 minutes?
This question inquires whether the action of waiting has been ongoing for the specified time period.
Exceptions
The present perfect continuous tense is generally straightforward, but here are a few exceptions and variations:
Non-Action Verbs
Some non-action verbs (stative verbs) like "know", "believe", and "own" are not typically used in continuous forms. Instead, the present perfect simple is used. For example, "I have known her for years."
Short Actions
For actions that are very short or instantaneous, you might use the present perfect simple instead. For example, "I have finished my homework."