GRAMMAR & STRUCTURE
Present Perfect Continuous

Definition

The present perfect continuous describes an action that started in the past and continues in the present and future. This is a continuous tense, so the focus is on the length of time an action continues.

Example

Rudy has been feeling sick for three days.

Explanation

The present perfect continuous --

• describes how long an action has continued.
• describes actions that have finished recently and have results in the present.
• is different from the present perfect because it focuses on how long an action happened, or the present results of an action.
• has the form have + been + verb -ing.
• uses "have" as the auxiliary to ask questions about how long an action has continued.
• uses "not" between "have" and "been" to make negative present perfect continuous sentences.
• uses "for" and "since" to show the length of time an action has happened.

Related Sections

-ing Spelling Rules
Participles
Present Perfect
Verb "to have"