Form
| Type | Formula | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Positive | have/has been + verb-ing | I have been studying all morning. |
| Negative | haven't/hasn't been + verb-ing | She hasn't been sleeping well. |
| Question | Have/Has + subject + been + verb-ing? | How long have you been waiting? |
Two main uses
| Use | Examples |
|---|---|
| Duration (how long?) Activity started in the past, still happening or just finished. |
I have been learning English for two years. She has been working here since January. How long have you been waiting? |
| Recent ongoing activity Explains a present result or situation. |
I'm tired — I have been running. Her eyes are red. She has been crying. The road is wet — it has been raining. |
PP Continuous vs. PP Simple
| Present Perfect Continuous | Present Perfect Simple |
|---|---|
| Focus on the activity / process | Focus on the result / completion |
| I have been painting the room. (still in process, or just finished) |
I have painted the room. (it's done, result is visible) |
| She has been writing a report. (all morning, exhausted) |
She has written the report. (finished, ready to submit) |
Stative verbs:
Stative verbs (know, like, love, believe, understand) are NOT used in the continuous form even in the Present Perfect: ✓ "I have known her for years." ✗ "I have been knowing her."
Exercises
Choose the correct form.
1. How long ___ you ___ English? (learn)
2. I ___ all three Harry Potter books. (read — focus on completion)
3. You look exhausted! What ___?