Present perfect continuous (Present Perfect Progressive) - present long perfect tense. Present perfect continuous is not very popular in English for three reasons:
- Long form.
- Narrow aspect of use.
- Interchangeability. In some cases Present perfect continuous can be easily replaced with Present perfect without changing the meaning of the sentence.
But this does not mean that our article should be closed and forgotten about the existence Present perfect continuous... Scope of use Present perfect continuous rather narrow, but this time takes its place in the English language, and sometimes it is impossible to replace it with another. Moreover, in speech Present perfect continuous sounds very impressive if you use it correctly.
How Present Perfect Continuous is formed
Statement
The peculiarity of this time is that it combines two aspects - Perfect and Continuous. Present perfect continuous formed with an auxiliary verb to be v Present perfect – have been(or has been for pronouns he, she, it and singular nouns). The main verb is the verb + ending -ing.
| I/We/You/They + have been + verb- ing | He/She/It + has been + verb- ing |
|---|---|
| I have been read ing
... - I am reading. We have been wait ing ... - We expect. You have been play ing ... - You're playing. They have been work ing ... - They work. |
He has been runn ing
... - He is running. She has been laugh ing ... - She is laughing. It has been work ing
... - It works. |
Negation
A particle appears in negation not which must be placed between have (has) and been.
| I/We/You/They + have not been + verb- ing | He/She/It + has not been + verb- ing |
|---|---|
| I have not been read ing
... - I do not read. We have not been wait ing ... - We do not expect. You have not been play ing ... - You are not playing. They have not been work ing ... - They do not work. |
He has not been runn ing
... - He doesn't run. She has not been laugh ing ... - She's not laughing. It has not been work ing
... - It doesn't work. |
We can use abbreviated forms for the verb have (has). In an affirmative sentence have/has combines with the pronoun:
- You’ve been playing.
- She's been laughing.
In a negative sentence have/has merges with not:
- We haven’t been waiting.
- He hasn’t been running.
Question
In an interrogative sentence have/has is put in first place, and been remains with the main verb. Thus, it turns out that in the first place we have have (has), after it the subject, then been and the main verb closes this long chain.
| Have + I/we/you/they + been verb- ing | Has + he/she/it + been verb- ing |
|---|---|
| Have I been read ing
? - I am reading? Have we been wait ing ? - We expect? Have you been play ing ? - You're playing? Have they been work ing ? - They work? |
Has he been runn ing
? - He is running? Has she been laugh ing ? - She is laughing? Has it been work ing
? - It works? |
In order to make it convenient for you to study this time, we have divided all its functions into three blocks: green (for an entry-level), yellow (for an average), red (for a high).
Using Present Perfect Continuous
First level
Time Present perfect continuous looks like at the same time Present perfect, and on Present continuous... This time has two main functions: one contains the meaning of the aspect Continuous, the second - aspect Perfect.
- We use Present perfect continuous, if the action began in the past, lasted for some time and still continues in the present. This function shows a long-term action, it got from the aspect Continuous.
As a rule, the proposal indicates the duration of the action, but without clear time boundaries. That is, we can know when the action began, how long it lasted, but we do not know when it will end. To show the time, we use the following words and expressions: lately(recently, recently), recently(recently, recently), quite a while(pretty long), all day(all day) as well as prepositions for(during) and since(beginning with).
Tom has been watching TV all day... - Volume looks TV set all day. (Tom started watching TV in the morning, watched it all day and is still watching now)
It has been raining for 3 hours. - Rain goes for three hours. (it started raining three hours ago, lasted for three hours and is still falling now)
Since this function shows the duration, then the question in Present perfect continuous usually starts with expressions how long(how long, how long) and since when(since when, since when).
– How long has she been learning French? - How long she teaches French?
- She has been learning French for seven years. - She teaches French during seven years old.– Since when have you been learning German? - Since when you teach Deutsch?
- I have been learning German since yesterday. - I AM teach Deutsch with yesterday.Pay attention to the translation. We are talking about an action that continues to last in the present, therefore, translated into Russian, the verb will be in the present tense.
- We use Present perfect continuous if the action ended recently and its result is now visible. This function is inherited from aspect Perfect... But using Perfect continuous, we emphasize that the action in the past lasted for some time.
Your clothes are dirty. What have you been doing? - Your clothes are dirty. What you did? (now she is dirty, which means that before that he was doing something where he could get dirty)
I ’Ve been talking to Sandy about the problem and she agrees with me. - I AM talked with Sandy about this issue and she agrees with me. (in the present, Sandy agrees with me because we have discussed this issue in the past)
In this function, the duration may or may not be specified.
We are very tired. We have been walking in the mountains. - We are very tired. We walked in the mountains.
We are very tired. We have been walking in the mountains since early morning. - We are very tired. We walked in the mountains c early morning.
Pay attention to the translation. In this function, we are talking about an action that has already ended, therefore, in translation into Russian, the verb will be in the past tense.
Where else does Present Perfect Continuous occur?
Average level
- With verbs like work, live, feel, teach are used like Present perfect and Present perfect continuous no difference in meaning. These verbs imply that the action takes a long period of time, that is, it already becomes a permanent state.
I ’Ve worked here for 20 years. = I ’Ve been working here for 20 years. - I AM working here for 20 years.
Her family has lived in Moscow since 1781. = Her family has been living in Moscow since 1781. - Her family lives in Moscow since 1781.
If you want to emphasize that the situation is temporary, use Present perfect continuous.
- (state verbs) are most often not used in Present perfect continuous... But, as is often the case in English, there are exceptions. If we want to emotionally highlight some action, then we can use Present perfect continuous... Very often verbs are used in this function. mean(gather, intend), want(to want), wish(to wish), other state verbs are less common.
We ’Ve been wishing to visit India for ages. - We want have been visiting India for many years.
He ’S been thinking it over. - He is ponders... = He's been over it for a long time ponders.
Difficult Use Cases Present Perfect Continuous
High level
- Present perfect continuous used in conjunction with Past simple in complex sentences with union since... In a clause that starts with since, we use Past simple, it is the starting point for the action in the main sentence. And in the main sentence there will be Present perfect continuous.
Silvia has been playing tennis since she was ten. - Sylvia plays tennis since then, how her turned ten. (she has been playing tennis since she was ten)
- We use Present perfect continuous when we conclude from what we saw or heard, in most cases with a tinge of discontent or criticism.
Who has been messing around with my papers ?! How should I work now ?! - Who rummaged in my papers ?! How can I work now ?!
He has been eating chocolate though he knows that he is allergic to it! - He ate chocolate even though he knows he's allergic!
Present perfect continuous shows indignation at an action that happened once, while Present continuous presupposes dissatisfaction with an action that is constantly repeated.
Present perfect continuous- a time with a frightening name and a long form of education. But appearance is deceiving, it has only 2 main functions in the language: to show long-term action and action with a result. The rest of the functions can be considered as derivatives. If you suddenly forget how Present perfect continuous, you can always look at the table. And in order not to forget anything, take the test.
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Present Perfect Continuous - present long perfect tense in English
There are tricky points in English grammar. Present Perfect Continuous tense refers to just such. But do not panic and be disappointed in advance, it is better to sort it out together.
Main question
If not all, then many have heard about the main difficulty of the English language - the tenses. Therefore, in the first lessons of learning a language, the question is about the number of times. But, as they say, the devil is not so black as it is painted (the devil is not so terrible as he is painted). There are only three tenses in English - Present, Past and Future... However, depending on what action is in front of us, four aspects are distinguished in each time - Simple, Continuous, Perfect, Perfect Continuous.
Today we are talking about how it is formed and when to use Present Perfect Continuous.
Formula of education
Present Perfect Progressive belongs to unusual times. It combines the "incongruous" - the Perfect aspect (Perfect) with the Continuous aspect in the Present (Present). Hence the "double" education formula follows: (have / has + 3rd form of verb) + (to be + verb + -ing) = have / has + been (3rd form of verb to be) + verb + -ing ... In other words, this tense form is formed with the help of a "double" auxiliary verb have / has been (not translated, but changes in persons and numbers) and the main verb with the ending - ing (translated but not changed).
How it "works" in practice can be seen in the table:
The verb form in the Present Perfect Continuous Passive voice is built according to the formula "subjects + have / has + been + being + the main verb in the 3rd form", but it is used in oral speech and texts extremely rarely (This monument has been being built for 50 years - This monument was built over 50 years)
Negation
Negative sentences in Present Perfect Progressive are built according to the same formula, but with the addition of a negative particle not (not) between two auxiliary verbs: subjects + have / has + not + been + main verb + -ing .
Question
Interrogative sentences in English differ in the reverse word order. Formation of a question in Present Perfect Continuous also obeys this rule: Have / has + subjects + been + main verb + -ing?
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Typically, special questions in Present Perfect Continuous begin with question words How long? (how long?) and Since when? (From which moment?). They can be said to be time markers (How long has it been snowing? - How long did it snow?)
Use
Aspects Perfect and Continuous affect not only the formula for the formation of Present Perfect Continuous time, but also the cases of its use. On the one hand, it describes an action with a result. On the other hand, it emphasizes its duration in time. So, despite the long and slightly intimidating name, it does not have so many functions and they are easy to remember:
- To describe events that originate in the past and continue up to the present moment:
Alice has been swimming since morning - Alice has been swimming in the morning (Alice started swimming in the morning and is still doing this)
My grandfather likes news. He has been watching news on TV for two hours - My grandfather loves news. He watches the news on TV for two hours.
- To describe events that have recently begun, have lasted for a while, have just ended and there is a visible result in the present:
- This time is characterized by indicator words that emphasize the duration of the action: recently (recently, the other day), lately (recently, recently), all day (all day), since (starting with), for (during).
A famous scientist has been recently developing new research programs - A famous scientist has recently developed new research programs.
What have we learned?
The considered rules and examples of Present Perfect Continuous prove that appearance can be deceiving. The long formula of education and the confusing name of this temporary form are only an external frightening shell. In fact, everything is much simpler: it has only two functions. The first is to indicate the completeness of the action and its result in the present. The second is to emphasize duration.
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In this article, we will study in detail the rules and examples of Present Perfect Continuous. It expresses a long-term action that has just completed or is still ongoing. Let's also compare Present Perfect Continuous with the times Present Perfect, Present Continuous and Past Continuous and figure out when to use them.
Present Perfect Continuous time is translated into Russian as "present perfect long time." Don't be intimidated by such a long name. In fact, it is not so difficult to deal with it, especially if you have already mastered Present Perfect well. Let's start with the Present Perfect Continuous education and then move on to rules and examples.
Present Perfect Continuous is formed according to the following scheme:
Examples of affirmative sentences in Present Perfect Continuous:
It has been raining all day long. I'm sick and tired of this weather. - It's raining all day. I got sick of this weather.
Sorry, I am late. I ’Ve been looking for a parking spot. - Sorry I'm late. I AM looking for parking space.
She ’S been talking to her boss since morning. I believe she is in trouble. - She talking with the boss in the morning. Looks like she's in trouble.
Examples of negative sentences in Present Perfect Continuous:
Sorry, I haven’t been listening to you. Now I’m all ears. - Sorry, I will didn't listen... Now I am all in attention.
He hasn’t been working all weekend. He is lying. - He did not work all weekend. He's lying.
Things have not been going really well lately. - Affairs do not go very Okay lately.
Examples of interrogative sentences in Present Perfect Continuous:
Your clothes are all dirty. What have you been doing? - Your clothes are all dirty. What you did?
How long have you been dating him? - How long have you been with him you meet?
Has he been watching series all day? - He what, watched TV shows all day?
Using Present Perfect Continuous
Now let's talk about when Present Perfect Continuous is used.
- We use Present Perfect Continuous for an action that began in the past and continues in the present. In such proposals, we focus on the duration of the action. Pay attention to the Present Perfect Continuous marker words: for (throughout, during), since (from some time), all morning / day / week (all morning / all day / all week), lately (recently ), recently (recently, the other day).
I have been looking through these articles for two hours but I still can’t find the information I need. - I AM looking through these articles it's already two o'clock but still can't find the information I need.
We have been planning our trip since January... - We are planning our trip From January.
Try it! Julia has been baking this cake all moring... - Try! Julia scorching this cake all morning. - The second use of Present Perfect Continuous - the action began in the past, lasted for some time and has just or very recently ended. In this case, we focus on the result of the action, which is associated with the present time. But the duration of the action is also a prerequisite for using Present Perfect Continuous.
My feet are killing me because I have been walking in these terrible shoes. - My legs hurt terribly because I went in those awful shoes.
I ’Ve been waiting for you in the rain! Why are you always late? - I AM waited you in the rain! Why are you constantly late? - Present Perfect Continuous is used to build how long questions. Such sentences are often translated into Russian in the present tense.
How long have you been standing here? You didn’t have to wait for me. - How long are you here standing? You might not have waited for me.
How long has she been sleeping? It's 11 a.m. already! - how many she sleeping? It's already 11 o'clock!
How long have they been dating? Will he propose to her or not? - how many they already meet? Will he propose to her or not?
Present Perfect Continuous and Present Perfect
Let's talk about the difference between Present Perfect Continuous and Present Perfect. Compare examples and rules in the table below.
| Present perfect continuous | Present perfect |
|---|---|
| Emphasis on duration of action. It doesn't matter if the action is over or not. I have been cleaning the kitchen all morning. I am very tired. - I AM cleaned up kitchen all morning. I'm very tired. Mary is very studious. She has been doing homework all evening. - Mary is very diligent. She does homework all evening. | Emphasis on the result of an action. Action completed. I have cleaned the kitchen. It is as good as new now. - I AM removed the kitchen. She is as good as new now. She can go out because she has done her homework. - She can go for a walk, because made homework. |
| The action is still ongoing or has just ended. May I ask how long? (how long?). I have been watching the last season of “Game of Thrones” since yesterday. - I AM look the last season of Game of Thrones from yesterday. They have been hitchhiking for seven years. - They hitchhiking for seven years now. | Action completed. Can I ask how much questions? (how many?), how many times? (how many times?), how often? (how often?). I have watched the last episode of “Game of Thrones” three times. - I AM looked the last episode of Game of Thrones three times. I have never hitchhiked in my life. - I AM never in life did not hitchhike. |
There are verbs that are not used in the continuous form (Continuous). Since these verbs describe not the action itself, but the state of the object, they are called stative verbs. There are many examples of such verbs. To make them easier to remember, the following groups can be distinguished:
- emotions, feelings: love (to love), hate (to hate), want (to want), like (to like);
- physical perception: see (to see), hear (to hear), seem (to seem);
- thought processes: know (to know), believe (to believe), remember (to remember);
- possession, possession: have (to have), own (to own), belong (to belong);
- others: be, contain, need, etc.
If the action began in the past, but has not yet ended, with state verbs we usually use Present Perfect, and not Present Perfect Continuous.
How long have you owned this house? - How long have you do you own this house?
I ’Ve known him since we were kids. - I AM I know him from childhood.
Some of the above verbs can still be used in Present Perfect Continuous, but their meanings will be different. For example: think (reflect), see (meet, see), mean (intend, want), have as part of the expression (to have a shower - take a shower, to have breakfast - have breakfast). Compare:
She has been thinking about your offer all night long. - She thought about your offer all night.
I have thought, until now, that you were an honest man. Now I see that you are a cheater. - Until this moment I thought that you are an honest person. Now I see that you are a crook.
I have been having strange dreams for about three weeks. - To me dream strange dreams for about three months.
I have had such a problem before. - I have was such a problem before.
We have been seeing each other since Christmas. We are in love. - We meet since Christmas. We're in love.
I have just seen Derek at the bar. - I've just saw Derek is at the bar.
There are a number of verbs in English that have process-related meanings. They are called durable verbs: live, work, teach, study, feel and others. These verbs can be used both in Present Perfect Continuous and Present Perfect, when we talk about actions that began in the past and continue in the present.
Aboriginals have been living here for thousands of years. / Aboriginals have lived here for thousands of years. - Aborigines live here for thousands of years.
I have been feeling really depressed lately. / I have felt really depressed lately. - I AM feel like very depressed lately.
She has been studying psychology for five years. / She has studied psychology for five years. - She examines psychology for five years.
Present Perfect Continuous and Present Continuous
What is the difference between Present Perfect Continuous and Present Continuous? Let's take a look at the rules and examples.
| Present perfect continuous | Present continuous |
|---|---|
| The action began some time ago, continued and is still ongoing. She has been playing volleyball since childhood. She is a real professional. - She plays in volleyball since childhood. She is a true professional. I have been washing the car. I need to take a shower. - I AM soap car. I need to take a shower. | The action takes place in the present moment. She is playing volleyball. Look - she is wearing black shorts and a white T-shirt. - She plays volleyball. Look - she's wearing black shorts and a white T-shirt. I am washing the car. Then I’ll have a shower. - I AM my car. Then I'll take a shower. |
Present Perfect Continuous and Past Continuous
Now let's take a look at the difference between Present Perfect Continuous and Past Continuous.
| Present perfect continuous | Past Continuous |
|---|---|
| The action began in the past and is either still ongoing or has a result in the present. What have you been doing all day today? | The action took place at a certain point in the past. What were you doing at 9 p.m. yesterday? |
So let's recap the difference between the times.
| Time | The rule | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Present perfect continuous | the action started in the past, lasted for some time and either just ended or is still ongoing | It has been raining since morning and I don’t have an umbrella with me. - It's raining in the morning, and I don't have an umbrella with me. The crowd has been waiting for the performance for an hour. - Crowd is waiting speeches for an hour. |
| Present perfect simple | the action has ended and has a connection with the present time or is still ongoing | I think I ’Ve sprained my left leg muscle. It hurts so much! - I think I pulled muscle on the left leg. It hurts so much! We have known each other since pre-school. - We know each other from kindergarten. |
| Present continuous | the action is taking place at the moment | Children are playing outside with their new toys. - Children are playing outside with their new toys. Jack is repairing the car and his hands are dirty. - Jack repairs car, and his hands are dirty. |
| Past Continuous | the action lasted at some point in the past | I was driving when you called and could not answer. - I AM was driving when you called and could not answer. It was snowing when we went for a walk yesterday. - Yesterday It was snowing when we went for a walk. |
We hope our article helped you understand the rules for using Present Perfect Continuous. In conclusion, we suggest taking a short test.
Test on the topic "Present Perfect Continuous - rules and examples"
Not so long ago, we analyzed Present Perfect Simple, but, as you already know, each Simple has a Continuous. First of all, the word “continuous” denotes the duration of the action, and “Present Perfect” hints at the result and unfinished time.
If we sum up it together, it turns out that Present Perfect Continuous Tense is a long-term action with a result, and time is unfinished.
I've been reading an interesting book this week (and I'm still reading). - This week I am reading an interesting book (and I am still reading it).
Let's take a closer look at how Present Perfect Progressive is formed. C "mon.
Present Perfect Continuous Education
Affirmative form is formed using the auxiliary verb " be"In Present Perfect or" have been"(" Has been "for the pronouns" he "," she "," it "and singular nouns). The semantic verb is the present participle or Participle I (verb + ending "-ing").
I have been reading.- I am reading.
We have been running.- We're running.
You have been playing.- You're playing.
They have been working.- They work.
She has been eating.- She eats.
He has been running.- He is running.
It has been working.- It works.
negative form is formed by putting the particle " not" between " have» (« has") and " been».
I have not been reading.- I do not read.
We have not been running.- We're not running.
You have not been playing.- You are not playing.
They have not been working.- They do not work.
She has not been eating.- She doesn't eat.
It has not been working... - It doesn't work.
He has not been smoking.- He does not smoke.
V interrogative sentences auxiliary " have" or " has»Is issued to the beginning of the sentence, after it comes the subject, then “ been»+ Participle I.
Have I been reading?- I am reading?
Have we been running?- Are we running?
Have you been playing?- You're playing?
Have they been working?- They work?
Has she been eating?- Does she eat?
Has he been running?- He is running?
Has it been working?- It works?
And of course, do not forget about abbreviations (" contractions»):
I have been V + ing = I've been V + ing.
You have been V + ing = You've been V + ing (they’ve, we’ve).
He / she / it / John has been V + ing = He’s / she’s / it’s / John’s been V + ing.
Has not been V + ing = hasn't been V + ing.
Have not been V + ing = haven't been V-ing.
Using Present Perfect Continuous
We use this time if:
- the action began in the past, lasted for a while, and still continues in the present. This function shows a continuous action, it inherited from the Continuous aspect.
She has been talking for more than an hour, my ears hurt!- She has been chatting for over an hour, my ears hurt!
I've been trying to call you all day!- I've been trying to call you all day!
He's been waiting for you for six hours.- He has been waiting for you for 6 hours (he started waiting 6 hours ago, and is still waiting).
Since this function shows the duration of the action, then the question in Present Perfect Continuous usually begins with the expressions “ how long"(How long, how long) and" since when"(Since when, since when).
How long have you been learning English?- How long have you been studying English?
I have been learning English for four years.- I've been learning English for 4 years.
Since when have you been learning English?- Since when do you study English?
I've been learning English since I was 10.- I have been studying English since I was 10 years old.
Nota bene: if we are talking about an action that continues in the present time, then the translation into Russian will be present.
- the action ended recently, and now its result is visible. The influence of Perfect Simple is immediately visible. But, using Perfect Continuous, we emphasize that the action in the past lasted for some time.
You look so tired. What have you been doing?- You look so tired. What did you do?
Why is the pavement wet? Because it's been raining.- Why is the sidewalk wet? Because it was raining.
I have been smoking for 2 weeks, that’s why I’m so green.“I've been smoking for two weeks, that's why I'm so green.
Nota bene: if we're talking about completed long-term action with the result in the present, then we translate into Russian in the past time.
When using the verbs " work», « teach», « learn», « live"Is used as Present perfect simple(emphasizes the fact of the action), and Present perfect continuous(emphasizes the duration of the action).
He has been living in London for 5 years. = He has lived in London for 5 years.- He has been living in London for (already) 5 years.
She has been teaching English since 2010. = She has taught English since 2010.- She has been teaching English since 2010.
They have been working in this company since they moved here. = They have worked in this company since they moved here.“They have been with this company since they moved here.
- there are state verbs (“state verbs” - “be”, “have”, “know”, “love”, etc.), instead of Present Perfect Continuous we use Present Perfect Simple.
She has been in London for 2 years.- She has been in London for 2 years.
How long have you known him?- How long have you known him?
I’ve known him for 10 years.- I've known him for 10 years.
Although in colloquial speech you can often hear such phrases:
I "ve been having problems with the car recently.- I recently had a problem with the car.
I "ve been wanting to talk to you.- I want to talk to you.
If speak about Passive voice(passive voice) then time Present perfect continuous Passive in english not used... Instead, we use the usual Present perfect simple passive.
The author has been writing this book for 3 years.- The author has been writing this book for 3 years.
This book has been written for 3 years.- This book has been written for 3 years.
Time differences
As you have already noticed, when translating from Russian into English, the question always arises: "What time to use?" Let's figure it out.
- Present Perfect Continuous vs Present Perfect.
Present perfect translated as "present perfect (completed) time". We use it when we talk about an action that happened in the past, but we see the result of this action now.
I have just cooked a cake.- I just made a cake.
In this sentence, you focus on the result - you have a finished cake. At the same time, it does not matter at all how much time you spent in order to prepare it - only the result is important.
Now let's see how the sentence in Present perfect continuous... I have been cooking a cake for three hours already. I've been making cake for 3 hours already. As you can see, in this proposal we are focusing on the result and the duration of the action. That is, we are talking not only about the result of the action (the finished cake), but also about how long this action took before the result was obtained.
- Present Perfect Continuous vs Present Continuous.
Present continuous translates as "present continuous tense". We use it when we say that the action began some time ago and is still ongoing. At the same time, we emphasize that it (the action) is still in progress.
I am cooking a cake.- I'm making a cake.
You say that you are currently in the process of cooking, that is, you started cooking some time ago and are still cooking now. At the same time, it does not matter to us how long you are already cooking, what is important is that you are doing it at the moment.
Compare with the sentence in Present Perfect Continuous:
I have been smoking since morning.- I smoke in the morning.
In this proposal, we focus not so much on the fact that we are smoking at the moment, but on the fact that it took us a certain amount of time. That is why such sentences always contain time indicators (“ since morning», « In one hour», « all evening" etc.).
- Present Perfect Continuous vs Past Continuous.
Past Continuous is translated as "past continuous" time. We use this time when we talk about an action in the past that lasted for some time.
He was reading a book all night.- He read the book all night.
In this sentence, we are talking about a process in the past that has been going on for some time. But notice, this process has nothing to do with the present. For example, he had an exam last week and spent the whole night preparing for it. Now let's compare with Present Perfect Continuous:
He has been reading a book all night.- He read the book all night.
As we already said, Present Perfect Continuous shows that the action has completed recently or has just completed, and we can see its result at the moment. For example, he now looks tired (result), as he did not sleep all night and read the book.
Conclusion
Today we got acquainted with Present Perfect Continuous (Progressive) Tense. We learned how to properly shape and use this time. We were convinced that there is still a big difference in what time to use, although in the Russian version everything sounds almost the same. Maybe it seemed to you that this topic is very complex and incomprehensible, but now you are definitely aware.
We invite you to familiarize yourself with other tenses of the English language
Keep studying grammar and use your skills!
Big and friendly family EnglishDom
Hopefully the previous editions of the Tenses block have helped our students sort out the main tenses. While everything is fresh in my memory, I propose to take one more step towards the bright future))) The third round of the Tenses block - Present Perfect vs Present Perfect Continuous.
| Present perfect |
|
Present perfect continuous |
Present Perfect Tense describes an action that began in the past and takes place up to the present, or a completed action that affects the present.
Forming / Education
+ Approval
It is formed using the auxiliary verb have (has) and the third form of the semantic verb:
I have written a report. - I wrote a report. 
She has printed an article. - She printed the article.
For the third person singular (he, she, it) we use has (have + s → has)
The third form of regular verbs is formed, like the second, with the help of the ending -ed
- Denial To the auxiliary verb have (has) a negative not particle is added:
He hasn’t written a report. - He didn't write the report.
The semantic verb remains in the third form - there is no need to change to the first form, as in Past Simple!
? Question Auxiliary verb to form a question have (has) is placed at the beginning of the sentence:
Has she printed the docs? - Did she print the documents?
The semantic verb also remains in the third form.
Uses / Usage
.States and actions (state verbs), which began in the past and continue to this day.
As a rule, the sentence uses since / for:
She has had this car since 1998 / for 14 years. - She has this car since 1998 / for 14 years.
.A recently completed action with the result visible in the present (+ just):
Look! He has broken the window. - Look! He broke the window. - Talk Look! Not necessary)))
.Actions that occurred in an unspecified period of time. Emphasis on the importance of the action itself:
They have bought a new house. - They bought a new house. - The news itself that we bought a house is important.
.Action that happened in the specified time period that is not over yet (this week / month / year): 
I have read two books this year. - This year I have already read 2 books.
To describe experience (ever / never):
Have you ever been to Paris? - No, I have never been to Paris. / Yes, I ’Ve been to Paris twice.
You some day was in Paris? - No, I was not. / Yes, I was, twice.
Time expressions / Related expressions
Present perfect continuous
- focuses on the duration of an action that began in the past and lasts for some time, with a visible result in the present or a process that continues to this day.
Forming / Education
+ Affirmation / - Denial
Formed with auxiliary construction have been and a semantic verb with the ending -ing:
? Question
To form a question Have / Has are placed at the beginning of the sentence:
Has he been working? - He worked?
Uses / Usage
... Emphasis on the duration of an action that began in the past and continues to the present (for / since / all day): .jpg)
He has been watching TV for 2 hours - He has been watching TV for 2 hours.
Started looking 2 hours ago and is still looking.
... An action that began in the past and has continued (s) for some time. Perhaps it has already ended, or it may still be ongoing. There is a visible result in the present:
Mary is very tired. She has been working all morning. - Marie is very tired. - a visible result in the present.
She has been working all morning. - Perhaps she finally finished and sits tired - the connection between the process and the result.
And, perhaps, it still works.
... To express anger, anger, irritation, disappointment, surprise ...:
What have you been doing here? - What are you doing here (and doing all the time you were here)? - we say, unexpectedly finding someone in our office.
Time expressions / Related expressions
Pay attention to the expression "" half an hour "" - for half an hour(a half of an hour)
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Differences
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Present perfect |
Present perfect continuous |
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Emphasis on Quantitative Result: I’ vewritten 2 letters... - I wrote 2 letters. It doesn't matter how long it took - the main thing is the result. |
Emphasis on duration of action: I’ vebeenwritingfor 3 hours... - I've been writing for three hours. It doesn't matter what the result is - maybe I never wrote anything, but I sat there for THREE HOURS. |
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Emphasis on duration of action or state in use State verbs: I "ve known him for 4 years. -I AMI knowhis 4
of the year.
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Questions starting withHowmany / much: Howmuchhaveyouearned? - How much did you earn? Interested in the result |
Questions starting with How long: How long have you been reading this? - Youfor a long timeitread? Interested in the duration of the action |
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Questions starting with How long using State verbs: How long have you been here? - Howfor a long timeyouhere? |
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Emphasis on the availability of the result: -Yea, but I’ve repaired my car. - Yes, butI amrepairedcar. Is there a result. |
Emphasis on the ongoing process: -You are so dirty! - You are so dirty! -Yeah. I've been repairing my car. - Yes, I amrepairedcar. Repaired-repaired, but the result is unknown. Here you can ask: - So, have you repaired it? - And what, did you fix it? |
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Verbs live, work, teach, feel(meaning "feel") used in P resent Perfect and Present Perfect Continuous without changing the value: He has worked / has been working here for 5 years. - He about have workedhere 5 years. |
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