Overview
The present perfect continuous is formed with have/has been + verb-ing. It describes actions that started in the past and are still continuing now, or actions that have just stopped and whose results are still visible. It emphasises duration rather than completion.
Structure
- +I/You/We/They have been + verb-ing
- +He/She/It has been + verb-ing
- –haven't / hasn't been + verb-ing
- ?Have / Has + subject + been + verb-ing?
- ✓She has been studying for two hours.
When to Use It
- ongoingI have been waiting for 20 minutes. (still waiting)
- for/sinceShe has been working here since 2020.
- resultHe has been running — he looks exhausted.
- latelyThey have been arguing a lot recently.
- how long?How long have you been learning English?
Simple vs Continuous
- ✅ I have written the report. (completed result)
- ✅ I have been writing all morning. (duration/effort)
- ✅ She has read three chapters. (quantity)
- ❌ I have been knowing → stative verbs take simple form
- ✅ I have known her for years.
When to use
Ongoing Actions
I have been studying for three hours.
Visible Results
He has been crying — his eyes are red.
Repeated Recently
She has been calling me all week.
How Long?
How long have you been waiting?