In any tense belonging to the Perfect Continuous category, situations are used with those long-term actions that not only show the process at a certain moment of the action, but also how long this action lasts at a particular moment in the present, past and even future time.
General information
Time Present Perfect Continuous both in writing and live spoken language occurs quite often. It is used not exactly to show the completed action, as is the case with . Its essence is to reflect a situation that has been going on for a certain period by a specific moment and, very likely, will continue in the future, despite the fact that this is not always mentioned in the context.
For the Present Perfect situation Continuous sentences the following can be cited as examples:
· I have been thinking of Mary's proposal since we parted. (I've been thinking about Mary's proposal since we broke up)
· We have been seeking for you for hours. (We have been looking for you for many hours)
· Ann has been trying to make you believe her for all her life. (Anne has been trying her whole life to make you believe her)
Examples with such a translation show that this or that action has been going on for some, and sometimes very long, period of time. It is in such cases that the use of Present Perfect Continuous is relevant, a tense that combines the features of both perfection and continuity.
Formation of time Present Perfect Continuous
The formation of Present Perfect Continuous looks quite logical, given that this time has the features of both a completed and a long action. The auxiliary words here are verbs that are typical for perfection, and these are have and has (the second is typical for personal pronouns related to the third person - “she”, “he”, “it”, i.e., according to the same principle as at Present Perfect time). Another feature that combines the perfect and long time- this is the presence of the verb to be, used in the form, i.e., in other words, in the form has been. Well, since we are talking about a process with a duration, then we cannot do without, or simply the –ing form, as it is often called.
Present Perfect Continuous Scheme
Given the above formation rules, the Present Perfect Continuous formula can have the following conditional form:
Have
Has + been + V(–ing)
Questions in Present Perfect Continuous
The Present Perfect Continuous, if the Present Perfect Continuous can be called that, certainly takes place not only in sentences with a statement, but can also be used in situations where the speaker is interested in something. Interrogative sentences are easy in their formation: to build this type of phrase, it is enough just to slightly change the word order and make it inverted, that is, reversed, when have (has) takes the position before the subject. Interrogative sentences in Present Perfect Continuous, in particular questions general type, have the following form:
· Has she been learning her speech since yesterday's evening? (She has been learning her speech since yesterday evening?)
· Have you been spending your whole weekend in this way? (Do you spend your whole weekend like this?)
Negation in Present Perfect Continuous
Negative sentences with such a kind of temporary form of complexity in their formation, it would seem, should not carry. Here it would be logical to use only one negative particle not, which would be after the auxiliary words have or has. Such constructions are often abbreviated so that the whole structure looks like this: haven't (= have not) or hasn't (= has not). But in reality, everything is somewhat more complicated.
The principle of forming a sentence with negation
The point is that in English language certain norms prohibit the use of Present Perfect Continuous with negation, and therefore a negative sentence is not formed with this tense. This can probably be explained by the fact that there is no action, the duration of which should be shown to a certain point, and the situation becomes illogical. In this situation, it is customary to use the Present Perfect tense.
The following are examples of negative sentences:
I haven't slept for 30 hours. (I've been awake for 30 hours)
· He hasn't worked in this sphere for 2 years already. (He has not been working in this field for 2 years)
Cases of using Present Perfect Continuous
The use of Present Perfect Continuous is typical for several cases, but first it should be noted that there is a division of this time into two varieties: Present Perfect Continuous Inclusive and Present Perfect Continuous Exclusive. Therefore, we should dwell on each type separately and give examples of where the present perfect continius of one or another variety is used:
Present Perfect Continuous Inclusive
This time reflects the classic application of Present Perfect Continuous, where an action whose starting point is in the past lasts until a specific moment associated with the present and, which is not excluded, will continue in the future. Popular markers in this form are prepositions such as since (shows the starting point, the action that started the process) and for (introduces a period, duration). For this type of Present Perfect Continuous, examples include the following:
· Jack and Lucy have been searching for the key for the last 40 minutes. (Jack and Lucy have been searching for their key for the last forty minutes)
· Steve has been dreaming about her since he first met you. (Steve has been dreaming about her since he met her)
But these markers are not the only ones: there are other markers that indicate that the situation has been running for some time, for example, the constructions these three / four / five days (these three / four / five days), the whole morning / day /week (all morning/afternoon/week), etc.:
· Fred has been training very hard these three days. (These three days Fred has been training very hard)
We have already been waiting for Joan the whole morning, it's high time she came. (We've been waiting for Joan all morning, it's time for her to come)
Using the Present Perfect Inclusive
For this type of Present Perfect Continuous, the rules and examples of use should be clarified that not all cases allow the use of such a temporary form. As mentioned earlier, the completed long tense in English cannot be used in negatives; instead, the correct one is Present Perfect, to which it is customary to add the term Inclusive. In addition, the situations used with Present Perfect Inclusive may be different:
1. With verbs, the use of which in Continuous is unacceptable
(emotions and feelings, desire and intention, sensory perception and some others):
I have known you for the last 5 years - I have known you for the last 5 years
She has been her since last Wednesday - She has been here since last Wednesday
Note: regardless of the fact that verbs illustrating desire and intention (wish, want, intend, etc.) are not usually used for a long time, in spoken live English there is still a tendency to put such forms in the Present Perfect Progressive:
· I have been wishing to speak to Sam ever since you returned - I want to talk to Sam since he returned
I’ve been wanting to see my sister for many months - I want to see my sister for many months
2. With indefinite verbs
With verbs that are called unlimited in English, that is, those that have no time limit and can last an indefinite amount of time - work, travel, study, live, etc.
Note: In such cases, it is also possible to use the usual the present Perfect Continuous Tense, but only in the case when the focus is on the duration, and not on the result:
We have worked at this issue for several weeks - We have been working on this issue for several weeks (the fact of work is emphasized)
We have been working and working at this issue for weeks and I don't believe we are likely to deal with it - We are all working and working on the case for weeks, but it seems to me that we are unlikely to cope with it (attention is focused on duration)
Present Perfect Continuous Exclusive
Sentences with Present Perfect Continuous Exclusive are aimed at those cases where there is a need to show that the action was in progress, but does not continue to the present; now there is only the result of having continued somewhat earlier. Examples of the Present Perfect Continuous of this type might be as follows:
Susie has been weeping and now her eyes are red - Susie was crying and now her eyes are red
· You have a bruise on your face. Have you been fighting again? - You have a bruise on your face. Did you fight again?
Note: the use of both types of Present Perfect Continuous is possible only in the Active form, the passive form of this tense does not exist.
It is important to take into account all these factors in the use of such time, and then even such a seemingly complex construction will not cause inconvenience and will be able to convey the speaker's ability to display the desired situation in speech and writing.
Education Present Perfect Continuous
(have/has been + …-ing)
Present Perfect Continuous (Present Perfect Progressive) formed with the help to be in the shape of ( have been, has been) and present participle forms of the semantic verb: I have been working.
When adding endings to verbs -ing sometimes there are changes in their spelling, for example have/hav ing. Additionally about.
| affirmative form | negative form | Interrogative form | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| I | have been working | I | have not been working | Have | I | been working? |
| he she it |
has been working | he she it |
has not been working | Has | he she it |
|
| we you they |
have been working | we you they |
have not been working | Have | we you they |
|
Abbreviated forms:
‘ve= have
‘s= has
haven't= have not
hasnt= has not
Using Present Perfect Continuous
1. An action that began in the past has continued for some period up to the present, and which is still ongoing at the present time. The period of time during which the action continued is always indicated or implied: marker words ( for ... hours / weeks / years - for ... hours / weeks / years, since 10 o'clock - from 10 o'clock, since morning - from the morning, since 2005 - from 2005). Often Present Perfect Continuous is translated with an adverb already.
Examples: I have been working since 9 o'clock in the morning. – I have been working since 9 o’clock in the morning.
She has been living in Venice for 2 years. She has been living in Venice for (already) 2 years.
2. The action is ordinary, permanent, i.e. happening in general, but with an indication of how long the action takes (used with marker words). If it is not indicated how long the action takes, then instead of Present Perfect Continuous, (action performed at the moment of speech) or (ordinary, constant action) is used.
Examples: It has been snowing for 2 days. It has been snowing (already) for 2 days. (indicating how long the action takes - within 2 days)
It is snowing. - Snowing. (without specifying how long the action takes)
She has been studying French for 10 years. - She teaches French(10 years already. (indicating how long the action takes - within 10 years)
She is studying French. She is learning French. (without specifying how long the action takes)
3. Sometimes Present Perfect can be used instead of Present Perfect Continuous. If the speaker wants to emphasize the duration of the action, Present Perfect Continuous is used, and if the fact of the action is emphasized, Present Perfect.
Examples: I have been working there since 1997. – I have been working here since 1997. (the goal is to emphasize the duration of the action)
I have worked there since 1997. “I have been working here since 1997. (the goal is to emphasize the fact of the action)
4. Used in interrogative sentences with question words since when - from what time, since when, how long - how long, how much time), if we are talking about the period that precedes the moment of speech.
Examples:how long have you been sitting here? - How long have you been sitting here?
5. Not used with verbs that do not have the Continuous form ( to be, to have, to love, to hate). Present Perfect Continuous is used instead of Present Perfect Continuous. Additionally about.
Examples: how long have you known her? – How long have you known her?
Not so long ago we analyzed the Present Perfect Simple, but, as you already know, every Simple has a Continuous. First of all, the word "continuous" refers to the duration of the action, and "Present Perfect" alludes to the result and unfinished time.
If we sum up it together, it turns out that Present Perfect Continuous Tense is a long action with a result, and the time is not over.
I've been reading an interesting book this week (and I'm still reading). - I am reading an interesting book this week (and I am still reading it).
Let's take a closer look at how the Present Perfect Progressive is formed. C "mon.
Education Present Perfect Continuous
affirmative form formed with the help of the auxiliary verb " be» in Present Perfect or « have been"("has been" for pronouns "he", "she", "it" and singular nouns). The present participle or Participle I (verb + ending "-ing") acts as a semantic verb.
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 if we put the particle " not" between " have» (« has") and " been».
I have not been reading.- I do not read.
We have not been running.- We don't run.
You have not been playing.- You don't play.
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 hasn't been smoking.- He does not smoke.
V interrogative sentences auxiliary " have" or " has» taken out to the beginning of the sentence, followed by 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.
Hasn't 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 started in the past, lasted for some time, and is still going on in the present. This function shows a continuous action, it was inherited from the Continuous aspect.
She has been talking for more than an hour, my ears hurt!- She has been talking for more than an hour, my ears hurt!
I've been trying to call you all day!- I've been trying to get through to you all day!
He's been waiting for you for six hours.- He has been waiting for you for 6 hours (started waiting 6 hours ago, and still waiting).
Since this function shows the duration of the action, the question in Present Perfect Continuous usually begins with the expressions “ how long' (how long, what time) and ' since when(since when, since when).
How long have you been learning English?- How long have you been learning English?
I have been learning English for four years.- I have been studying 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. You can immediately see the influence of Perfect Simple. But, using the Perfect Continuous, we emphasize that the action lasted for some time in the past.
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 smoked for two weeks, that's why I'm so green.
Nota bene: if we are talking about completed long-term action with results in the present, then 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 problems 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 tense should I use?”. Let's figure it out.
- Present Perfect Continuous vs Present Perfect.
Present Perfect translated as "present perfect (completed) tense". 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 to prepare it - only the result is important.
Now let's see how the sentence will differ in meaning in Present Perfect Continuous. I have been cooking a cake for three hours already. I've been making the cake for 3 hours now. As you can see, in this sentence we focus 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 translated as "present continuous tense". We use it when we say that an action started some time ago and is still going on. At the same time, we emphasize that it (the action) is still in the process.
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 doesn’t matter to us how long you have been cooking, what matters 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 sentence, we focus not so much on the fact that we are currently smoking, but on the fact that it has taken us some time. That is why in such sentences there are always time indicators (" since morning», « In one hour», « all evening" etc.).
- Present Perfect Continuous vs Past Continuous.
Past Continuous is translated as "past continuous" tense. We use this tense 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 went on for some time. But note that this process has nothing to do with the present. For example, last week he had an exam and spent the whole night preparing for it. And now let's compare with Present Perfect Continuous:
He has been reading a book all night.- He read the book all night.
As we have already said, Present Perfect Continuous shows that the action was completed recently or just now, and we can see its result at the moment. For example, he now looks tired (outcome) as he has been up all night and reading a book.
Conclusion
Today we got acquainted with Present Perfect Continuous (Progressive) Tense. We learned how to properly form and use this time. We made sure that there is still a big difference in what time to use, although in the Russian version everything sounds almost the same. It may have seemed to you that this topic is very complicated and incomprehensible, but now you are definitely aware.
We offer you to get acquainted with other tenses of the English language
Keep studying grammar and use your skills!
Big and friendly family EnglishDom
Why are examples given in the rules? Perhaps a detailed explanation would suffice? But no! visual perception English sentence, text, comparison with the Russian version are important, if not the main elements of the entire learning process. This is what will help to comprehend the soul of each phenomenon, for example, Present Perfect Continuous.
Let's start with the fact that this time is not just present, but completed and continued. This can only mean one thing: it lasts at the moment of the conversation or literally just ended. Despite the long name, Present Perfect Continuous is easy to use: just two situations or functions.
Examples of Present Perfect Continuous
- If action lasts for the moment of the conversation, but it started in the past, happened in that time period, and is still relevant now, then we use Present Perfect Continuous. In such sentences, you can find clues already, for, since, recently, a question with How long. It can be two parallel actions, and those that were performed repeatedly (several times).
Is it still raining? — It's been raining since yesterday morning.— Is it still raining? It has been raining since yesterday morning.
Tom has been playing tennis recently. Tom has been playing tennis lately.
I have been watching the game since I have been sitting there.— I've been watching the game since I've been sitting here.
I have been repairing my car for several days. I have been repairing my car for several days now.
He has been smoking for 10 years. He has been smoking for 10 years.
- An action that started in the past lasted finished talking. Most often, signal words are not found in such sentences, the whole situation, and hence the time, follows from the context.
Sorry. I'm late. I have been preparing for my examination. Have you been waiting?- Sorry I'm late. I was preparing for my exams. Have you been waiting?
You are out of breath! Have you been trained?- You're out of breath. Have you been exercising?
Why are you so dirty? What have you been doing?- You're so dirty. What did you do?
I've been talking about your problem to my mother.— I talked about your problem with your mother.
- In a separate line, you can display emotionally colored sentences that also use Present Perfect Continuous
She has been telling lies again. She's lying again!
- Very often it is difficult to use the cases of Present Perfect Continuous or Present Perfect Simple, because each of them is based on the connection of the past and the present. Let's look at the sentences in Present Perfect Continuous and compare.
1. If we care about ourselves process, not result then use it for a long time.
Ann is covered in paint. She has been painting her country house. Anna is covered in paint. She was painting a country house.
The country house was yellow. Now it's blue. Ann has painted it. — Vacation home was yellow. Now he is blue. Anna painted it.Tom should smoke less, because he has been smoking too much recently.- He should smoke less. He has been smoking too much lately.
The guests have smoked all my cigarettes. The guests smoked all my cigarettes.
2. Continuous emphasizes the process itself, how long did the action last, and therefore answers the question how long? (how long) . Present Perfect Simple answers the question How much? (how) and comments on how much work was done in a certain time.
My friends have been writing poems all day. My friends have been writing poems all day.
My friends have written 2 poems today. Today my friends wrote 2 poems.How long have you been writing your last novel? How long did it take you to write your last novel?
How many pages of your novel have you written? How many pages of your novel have you written?
3. The continuous present refers to temporary actions, and completed to permanent .
That man has been standing outside for hours. That man stood outside for several hours.
That man has always worked hard. That man always works hard.
I have known him for some time.— I've known him for a while.
She has been in Minsk for the past last week. She has been in Minsk for the past week.
But Present Perfect Continuous Passive does not exist. You can rejoice, with Passive Voice it will already be easier.
Summarize. Perfect Continuous is not as difficult to remember as it seems. If you clearly see the pointers, look at the lexical side of the sentence, learn the rules, look at the examples, then you will not confuse this tense with another.
Such a long tense name as Present Perfect Continuous Tense (the present perfect continuous tense) will undoubtedly frighten those who are just starting to learn English grammar. It immediately seems that such a long name hides the most complicated construction with many obscure rules. In fact, the opposite is true. If you are already familiar with the Perfect and Continuous tenses, then this time will seem like a trifle to you, because. You will not find anything particularly new either in the design or in the rules of use. As you understand, Present Perfect Continuous Tense consists of a combination of elements from the Perfect and Continuous groups. So, let's figure out what Present Perfect Continuous Tense is.
What is Present Perfect Continuous Tense?
Present Perfect Continuous Tense, in translation, the present perfect continuous tense, expresses an action or event that began at some point in the past and continues up to the present moment of speech, while it can continue at the moment of speech or it could end immediately before the moment of speech.
Present Perfect Continuous Tense is translated into Russian either in the present or past tense, depending on whether the action ended before the moment of speech or is still ongoing.
Like all times of the Continuous group, the Present Perfect Continuous Tense is not used with static verbs (verbs that denote states, not actions). In such situations, it is replaced by Present Perfect Tense.
Present Perfect Continuous Tense is rarely used in both colloquial speech and writing.
Rules for the formation of Present Perfect Continuous
Affirmative sentences in Present Perfect Continuous Tense are formed using the auxiliary verb to be in Present Perfect Tense (have/has been) and the present participle of the semantic verb (verb + ending -ing → Present Participe).
Subl. + have / has been + Present Participe ...
Interrogative sentences are formed by putting the first auxiliary verb to have in first place before the subject, the rest of the tense form remains in its place after the subject.
Have/ Has + Gen. + been + Present Participe ???
To form negative sentences, the particle not is used, which is placed after the first auxiliary verb to have.
Subl. + have / has + not + been + Present Participe ...
In colloquial speech, it is customary to use abbreviated forms. For instance:
- I have → I've
- he has → he's
- has not → hasn't [ˈhæzənt]
- have not → haven't [ˈhævənt]
Conjugation table of the verb to try in Present Perfect Continuous Tense
| Number | Face | affirmative form | Interrogative form | negative form |
| Unit h. | 1
2 3 |
I have (I've) been trying He/ She/ It has (He "s/ She's) been trying |
Have I been trying? Have you been trying? Has he/ she/ been trying? |
I have not (haven't) been trying He/ She/ It has not (hasn't) been trying |
| Mn. h. | 1
2 3 |
We have (We've) been trying You have (You've) been trying They have (They've) been trying |
Have we been trying? Have you been trying? Have they been trying? |
We have not (haven't) been trying You have not (haven't) been trying They have not (haven't) been trying |
Present Perfect Continuous Tense is used:
1. If you want to express a long-term action that began in the past and is still going on in the present. As a rule, in this case, it is necessary to indicate the period of time during which the action is performed. This period can be indicated by circumstantial expressions, prepositional phrases, etc.:
- for an hour (a month, a week) - within an hour (month, week)
- for a long time - for a long time, for a long time
- since 4 o'clock (yesterday, morning) - from 4 o'clock (from yesterday, in the morning)
- since he returned
- lately - in Lately, recently
- these two weeks
- all this year (my life, day long) - all this year (all my life, all day)
Example using "for" and "since" Translated into Russian, imperfective verbs are used in the present tense. Examples:
- It has been raining since morning - It has been raining since morning
- They have been waiting for the train for half an hour - They have been waiting for the train for half an hour
- I have been thinking of you since I first saw you - I have been thinking about you since the first time I saw you
2. In special questions (if we are talking about the period immediately preceding the moment of speech) that begin with the words:
- how long - how long, how long
- since when
- How long have you been waiting for us? - How long are you waiting for us?
- Since when has she been learning Spanish? Since when has she been studying Spanish?
3. If you want to express a long action that began in the past tense and ended just before the moment of speech. Moreover, you want to emphasize the duration of the action and the presence of its result at the moment. The period of time during which the action took place may not be indicated. Translated into Russian, imperfective verbs in the past tense are used. Examples:
- Come in! I've been looking for you all day - Come in! I've been looking for you all day
- Why are you all silent? Have you been talking about me again? Why are you all silent? Are you talking about me again?
- Her eyes are red. Has she been crying? - She has red eyes. She cried?
- − Why are your lips black? - I "ve been eating blackberries - Why do you have black lips? - I ate blackcurrants
Remember that there are verbs that are not used in the continuous form. See the list in the article Present Continuous Time in English. In such cases, Present Perfect Continuous Tense replaces Present Perfect Tense. For instance:
- He has known her since his childhood - He has known her since childhood
As you have seen, it is not at all difficult to understand and remember the functions of Present Perfect Continuous Tense. Improve your English and stay with us!
