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Grammar Focus - Present Perfect Continuous

The document explains the structure and usage of the Present Perfect Continuous tense, which is formed using 'to have/has + been + -ing verb'. It highlights that this tense is used for actions that started in the past and continue into the present, often emphasizing the duration of the action. Additionally, it provides examples and exercises to practice distinguishing between Present Perfect and Present Perfect Continuous.

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6 views3 pages

Grammar Focus - Present Perfect Continuous

The document explains the structure and usage of the Present Perfect Continuous tense, which is formed using 'to have/has + been + -ing verb'. It highlights that this tense is used for actions that started in the past and continue into the present, often emphasizing the duration of the action. Additionally, it provides examples and exercises to practice distinguishing between Present Perfect and Present Perfect Continuous.

Uploaded by

Vanessa
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as ODT, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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GRAMMAR | PRESENT PERFECT CONTINUOUS

STRUCTURE The Present Perfect Continuous


https://www.perfect-english-grammar.com/present-perfect-continuous.html

TO HAVE/HAS + BEEN + “-ING” VERB

P. P AFFIRMATIVE SHORT FORMS NEGATIVE INTERROGATIVE

I I’ve been… -ing Have I…?


HAVE BEEN… -ing have not | haven’t
You You’ve been… -ing Have you…?
He He’s been… -ing Has he…?
She HAS BEEN… -ing She’s been… -ing has not | hasn’t Has she…?
It
It’s been… -ing Has it…?

We We’ve been… -ing Have we…?


HAVE BEEN… -ing have not | haven’t
They They’ve been… -ing Have they…?

LANGUAGE USE The Present Perfect Continuous


https://www.perfect-english-grammar.com/present-perfect-continuous.html

TO HAVE/HAS + BEEN + “ING” VERB


Actions that started in the past and continue into the present.

The present perfect simple can be used (often with 'since' and 'for') to talk about unfinished
actions that started in the past and are still true in the present. It’s often used with stative verbs:

I’ve known John for three years.

The present perfect continuous can also be used (often with 'since' and 'for') to talk about
unfinished actions that started in the past and are still true in the present. (Of course, we don't
use the present perfect continuous with stative verbs):

She’s been living here for three years.

Sometimes there's really no difference in meaning between the two tenses. This is especially
the case with verbs such as 'live', 'work' and 'study':

They’ve lived in London since 2004. | They’ve been living in London since 2004.
Sometimes, there is a difference in meaning:

They’ve been waiting for hours! (This emphasises the length of time.)
They’ve waited for hours. (This doesn’t emphasise the length of time.)

The present perfect continuous often focuses on the action itself, while the present perfect
simple focuses on the fact that the action is completed:

I've been reading the book you recommended. (I'm enjoying it, but I'm not finished).
I've read the book you recommended. (I've finished it, so we can talk about it).

STRUCTURE Present Perfect vs. Present Perfect Continuous


Choose between PRESENT PERFECT and PRESENT PERFECT CONTINUOUS.

1. ___Have they arrived____ (they / arrive) yet?


2. Julia __has run_____ (run) 2.000 meters today.
3. We ____have been painting___ (paint) our living room. It’s getting better.
4. How long ___have you known____ (you / know) Dennis?
5. I ___have been drinking____ (drink) more water recently, and I feel better.
6. How many times ____have you taken___ (you / take) this exam?
7. I _____have been waiting____ (wait) for 3 hours already!
8. Luke ____has never been___ (never / be) abroad. >>
9. I ___have been reading____ (read) your book all day! It’s good, but I’m still on chapter 2.
10. Help, I ___have lost____ (lose) my wallet! How can I get home?
11. They ___have been studying____ (study) very hard recently.
12. I ____have been living / have lived___ (live) in London for 4 years.
EXERCISES:
https://www.perfect-english-grammar.com/present-perfect-present-perfect-continuous-1.html
https://www.perfect-english-grammar.com/present-perfect-present-perfect-continuous-2.html
https://www.perfect-english-grammar.com/present-perfect-present-perfect-continuous-3.html
https://www.eltbase.com/quiz/151_01.htm
https://www.englisch-hilfen.de/en/exercises/tenses/present_perfect_or_progressive.htm

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