Present Perfect Continuous Tense
What is the present perfect continuous tense? How do we use present perfect continuous tense? How to use present perfect continuous tense?
The Present Perfect Continuous Tense
Introduction
1) We use the present perfect continuous when we talk about an action (quite a long one) which began in the past and has recently or just stopped. The present perfect continuous usually emphasizes duration or the amount of time that an action has been taking place.
– Is it snowing right now? – No, it isn’t but there is 5 cm of snow outside. It has been snowing all night.
2) The present perfect continuous is formed using has/have + been + present participle. Questions are indicated by inverting the subject and has/have. Negatives are made with not.
(+) Ann has been waiting for Sam for over an hour.
(-) Ann hasn’t been waiting for Sam for over an hour. She has been waiting for only 10 minutes.
(?) Has Ann been waiting for Sam for over an hour?/How long has Ann been waiting for Sam?
Some time markers can emphasize the duration of the action, show that the action is temporary or repeated. These time markers are аll dау, аll morпing, for dауs, for аgеs, lаtelу, reсeпtlу, sinсe, for etc.
My brother has been playing tennis since he was seven. I haven’t been feeling well recently. How long have you been learning English? – I’ve been learning it for 5 years.
Remember that non-continuous verbs (e.g. to love, hate, know, want etc.) are not used in any continuous tenses. Use the present perfect instead.
I’ve been wanting to visit Paris for years. I’ve wanted to visit Paris for years.
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