Present Perfect Continuous

We use the present perfect continuous when we talk about an action (quite a long one) which began in the past and has recently or just stopped.

This tense usually emphasizes:

duration of the action
that the action is temporary
that the action is repeated

Is it snowing right now? - No, it isn't but there is 5 cm of snow outside. It has been snowing all night

The present perfect continuous is formed using has/have + been + present participle. Questions are indicated by inverting the subject and has/have. Negatives are made with not.

(+) Ann has been waiting for Sam for over an hour
(-) Ann hasn't been waiting for Sam for over an hour. She has been waiting for only 10 minutes
(?) Has Ann been waiting for Sam for over an hour? / How long has Ann been waiting for Sam?

Some time markers can emphasizes the duration of the action, show that the action is temporary or repeated. These time markers are all day, all morning, for days, for ages, lately, recently, since, for etc.

My brother has been playing tennis since he was seven
I haven't been feeling well recently
How long have you been learning English? - I've been learning it for 5 years

Remember that non-continuous verbs (e.g. to love, hate, know, want etc.) are not used in any continuous tenses. Use the present perfect instead.

~~I've been wanting to visit Paris for years~~. I've wanted to visit Paris for years

Guided Practice#

I (to work) here since 2005.

What (you/to do) lately?

I (not to do) much. I've been feeling quite lazy.

Find time markers.

It's been raining all day.
Peter has been staying in a hotel for the past week but he is going back home in 2 days.
I've been trying to call her for days but she never picks up the phone.

Short Story using Present Perfect Continuous#

–Hey Pam, long time no see!

–Oh, hi Steve! Yeah, that's true.

–What have you been doing lately?

–Well, I've been trying to find a job in Germany for the past 6 months. But it's really difficult to find something with my level of German!

–How long have you been learning it?

-I've been learning it on my own for a year.

-Come to think about it, I've heard some really good comments about our local speaking club.

-Hmm I haven't heard of it. I'll check it out! Maybe we could grab a cup of coffee next week?

-Yeah, sure. I'll give you a call. Bye!

-Sounds great. Bye!

Independent Practice#

Write the correct sentence.

Lilly (to watch) movies all night.
His grandpa (not to feel) well for the past week.
How long (you/to smoke)?

Match the sentences.


1. Where is tom?	a. Have you been running?
2. You're out of breath.	b. Has it been raining today?
3. There are puddles everywhere.	c. We've been here for ages.
4. Why are your clothes so dirty?	d. What have you been doing?!

Answer the questions.

How long have you been learning English?
What have you been doing this month?
Have you been exercising lately?