We use the present perfect continuous tense in the following situations:
Continuing Actions and Situations
We use the present perfect continuous to look back at situations that started in the past and are still going on.
- The cost of living has been going up all this year.
- I’ve been working on an important project these past couple of weeks.
- It’s been raining all week.
Actions and Situations that Have just stopped
We talk about actions and situations that have just stopped , and they have an effect on the present.
- You look tired. Yes, I’ve been working in the garden all day.
- It smells nice in here. Yes, I’ve been baking all afternoon.
- I’m glad the bus is here. I’ve been waiting for an hour.
Repeated Actions
We can also talk about repeated actions with the present perfect activity.
- The press have been knocking on the door all day.
- The workmen have been using the jack-hammer every hour.
- I’ve been working night shift this month.
To talk about how long
- How long have you been working here? (Not how long are you working here.)
We often use the present perfect continuous with words that refer to time up until now. Words like recently, lately, this week, since…. for…. etc.
- I’ve been travelling a lot lately.
- The children have been camping with the school this week.
- I haven’t seen the sun since last week.
- It’s been raining for a week.
For exercises using the present perfect continuous, click below.
To learn the form of present perfect continuous tense, please click here.
