Present Perfect Continuous Tense

Definition: The present perfect continuous tense is also called the present perfect progressive tense. This tense talks about events or circumstances that began in the past, are still happening now, and may yet happen in the future. It draws attention to how long the action has been going on. It is formed by using the helping verb “have” or “has” followed by “been” and present participle (4th form of the verb).

Formula For Present Perfect Continuous Tense

Positive Sentence:

Subject+have/has+been+verb 4th form

Examples:

  • He has been waiting for you for two hours.
  • It has been raining since morning.
  • We have been working here all night.

Negative Sentence:

Subject+have/has+not+been+verb 4th form

Examples:

  • She has not been writing since night.
  • They have not been winning the trophy for five years.
  • I have not been walking since evening.

Interrogative Sentence:

Have/Has+subject++been+verb 4th form+?

Examples:

  • Has he been training for this for a long time?
  • Have you been doing the workout for 12 O’clock?
  • Has she been driving all the day?



Uses of Present Perfect Continuous Tense


a) To describe actions or situations that started in the past, are still ongoing, and are relevant to the present moment:

Examples:

  • She has been reading that book for hours
  • I have been learning Spanish recently.

b) To emphasize the duration of an action or situation:

Examples:

  • They have been practicing the piano all evening.
  • He has been jogging for 30 minutes.

c) To express irritation or impatience about an ongoing action:

Examples:

  • Why has he been talking so loudly for hours?
  • You have been complaining all day.

d) To talk about an action that has recently stopped, but its effects are still noticeable in the present:

Examples:

  • It has been raining, and the ground is wet.
  • I have been driving, I am tired now.


In summary, the present perfect continuous tense is used to describe actions or situations that started in the past, continue into the present, and emphasize their ongoing nature or duration. It is formed with "have" or "has" plus "been" and the base verb with "-ing" and is used to discuss activities or states with relevance to the present.