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.