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.
