Introduction
In this lesson, you will learn the Present Perfect Continuous Tense Definition Examples And Usages which is very common for daily life English speaking routine. English grammar is filled with various tenses, each serving its unique purpose. Tense plays an important role in day-to-day speaking. If you want to talk English Properly then you have to learn Tenses, an important part of English grammar. To remind you I’ll provide you the link to the previous lesson which is very helpful to learn this lesson. Stay with us and keep scrolling down to learn this lesson!
What is the Present Perfect Continuous Tense?
We use the present perfect continuous tense to talk about things that started happening in the past and are still happening now. It’s like saying something has been going on for a while and is still going on. According to the Oxford Dictionary, this tense is Used to talk about an action or activity that started in the past and continues now.
Key Points
We use 1st form of verbs to make sentences with, ing in this tense.
In this tense, with the subject or plural noun we use he, she, it, with the helping verb has been.
In this tense, with the subject or singular noun we use I, we, with the helping verb have been.
Affirmative Sentences
To construct affirmative sentences in the present perfect continuous tense we use the subject according to the auxiliary verb has/have verb been and 1st form of the verb with ing.
Structure
Subject + Has/have + been + ( 1st form of verb + ing ) + Object
Examples
| I have been practising the guitar every evening. | She has been studying for her driver’s test all week. |
| He has been exercising regularly to stay fit. | They have been painting their house for the past few days. |
| The children have been playing video games since they got home. | We have been preparing for the big presentation since last month. |
| I have been taking online courses to improve my skills. | She has been knitting a scarf for her friend. |
| He has been volunteering at the animal shelter every Saturday. | They have been renovating their kitchen for a few weeks. |
| She has been researching for her thesis project for hours. | We have been gardening to grow our vegetables. |
| They have been rehearsing for the school play every day after class. | I have been feeling more energetic since I changed my diet. |
Negative Sentences
To construct Negative sentences in the present perfect continuous tense we use the subject according to the auxiliary verb has not/have not verb been and 1st form of the verb with ing.
Structure
Subject + Has Not/have Not + been + ( 1st form of verb + ing ) + Object
Examples
| I have not been sleeping well lately. | She has not been attending her yoga classes regularly. |
| They have not been working on the project as planned. | He has not been feeling well since last night. |
| I have not been studying for the exam as much as I should. | We have not been visiting our grandparents as often as we should. |
| The team has not been practising enough for the tournament. | They have not been following the diet they committed to. |
| She has not been responding to my messages this week. | He has not been cleaning his room for the past few days. |
| We have not been saving money for the trip like we planned. |
She has not been taking her medication as prescribed. |
Interrogative Sentences
To construct interrogative sentences in the present perfect continuous tense we use the subject according to the auxiliary verb has /have at the start of the sentence and the verb been and 1st form of the verb with ing.
Structure
Has /have + Subject + been + ( 1st form of verb + ing ) + Object
Examples
|
Have they been working together on this project? |
Have you been cooking dinner every night this week? |
| Has she been writing her report for several hours? | Has the team been practising enough for the competition? |
| Have we been cleaning the house since early morning? | Has he been spending too much time on his phone? |
| Have they been considering moving to a new city? | Has she been feeling better after the treatment? |
| Have you been reading that book for a while? | Has the dog been barking since morning? |
| Have we been missing any important meetings lately? | Has he been preparing for the presentation all day? |
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