GRAMMAR & STRUCTURE
Present Perfect Continuous

Definition

The present perfect continuous describes an action that started in the past and continues in the present and future.

Example

Rudy has been feeling sick for three days.

Explanation

The present perfect continuous:

• has the form of the verb have + been + verb-ing.
• describes how long an action has continued.
• describes actions that have finished recently and have results in the present.
• is different from the present perfect because it focuses on how long an action happened, or the present results of an action.
• uses "have" as the auxiliary to ask questions about how long an action has continued.
• uses "not" between "have" and "been" to make negative present continuous sentences.
• uses "for" and "since" to show the amount of time an action has happened.

Related Sections

Present Perfect
Participles