The Present Perfect Continuous

1. Use and meaning

We use the present perfect continuous to talk about actions which started in the past and continue up to the present or beyond.

 

The present perfect emphasizes the​​ duration​​ and​​ continuity​​ of the action.

 

 She​​ has been studying for three hours.

 I​​ have been working​​ as a teacher​​ for over ten years.

 

 

2. For and since

We can use the present perfect continuous with​​ for​​ and​​ since.

 

I have been learning English​​ for two years.

She has been wearing glasses​​ since she was a child.

Joe has been watching TV​​ for hours.

 

 

3. Present perfect simple or continuous?

 

 

Simple

Continuous

  • To focus on​​ the result​​ of an activity:

  • I’ve read the book. (finished reading it)

  • To focus on​​ how many times​​ an activity has happened:

  • She has worked for three companies.

  • To focus on the activity:

  • I’ve been reading this book since the morning. (still reading it)

  • To focus on​​ how long​​ an activity is:

  • She’s been working here for five years.

Ready to test your knowledge?

Put the grammar rules above into practice with the challenge below.

⏱ 00:00
❤️ ❤️ ❤️
SCORE: 0
📝
Present Perfect Continuous
Practice using the present perfect continuous for duration and continuity, and compare it with the present perfect simple.
🎯 Grammar Practice 📖 Perfect Continuous 2 Levels · 14 Questions ❤️❤️❤️ 3 Lives
Complete the sentences using the correct present perfect or present perfect continuous verb. Use the correct form of the verb.
Level 1 — Fill in the blank
WORD BANK
    Drag the correct words into the empty spaces.
    Level 2 — Drag & Drop
      WORD BANK
      🏆
      Challenge Complete!
      Well done on finishing both levels.
      0
      points out of 14
      Copied to clipboard! 📋