Present Perfect Continuous Tense: Definition, Structure and Uses

"You have been preparing for upcoming English proficiency exams " that will assess your skills to speak, read, write and listen to the English language. The first sentence mentioned is an example of the Present Perfect Continuous Tense which is used to explain an incident that started in past and is still ongoing.

Learning the rules of the Present Perfect Continuous tense will help you for your study abroad dreams. Fluency in English grammar is important for person's growth. People commonly use this form of tense in everyday conversations. Let me tell you how!

To talk about something that started in the past and is continuing at present. you will use the Present Perfect Continuous tense rules. Here, we use Has/have + Been + V4 to form the sentence.

To appear in upcoming English proficiency exams like IELTS Exam, PTE, TOEFL and Duolingo English Test then this article will be helpful for you. Present Perfect Continuous Tense is a verb tense that is commonly used to explain an action that started at a certain point of time in the past and is still ongoing. Here, we have mentioned some examples to help you understand this form of tense.

Learn about the tenses in English grammar with examples here.

What is Present Perfect Continuous Tense?

We use the Present Perfect Continuous tense to denote the actions that started in the past and are STILL GOING ON in the present. It is defined as one of the forms of Present tense. In simple words, if you want to explain that you are in the middle of something (you are doing something that you have started earlier).

Definition of Present Perfect Continuous Tense

According to the Cambridge Dictionary, “We use the present perfect continuous to talk about ongoing events or activities which started at a time in the past and are continuing up until now.”

Where is the Present Perfect Continuous Tense Used?

Here we have mentioned few conditions to help you understand, where can you use Present Perfect Continuous Tense with examples:

Present Perfect Continuous Tense Examples

Here we have mentioned some examples below:

1. They have been playing outside for hours.
2. We have been learning new languages.
3. She has been playing cricket all night.
4. We have not been waiting here for 10 hours.

Present Perfect Continuous Tense Structure

Check out Present Perfect Continuous Tense structures.

Structure with Examples

• Subject + has or have been + verb-ing + rest
• Subject + has or have not been + verb-ing + rest
• Has or Have + subject + been + verb-ing + rest
• Has or Have + subject + not been + verb-ing + rest

Use of Has and Have in Present Perfect Continuous Tense

Here we have mentioned a table that will help you understand the use of Has and Have with different subjects.

Also Read:

Use of Present Perfect Continuous Tense

Now, let’s understand how to use the present perfect continuous tense formula in different situations. Below, we have mentioned a table that will simplify the uses of this tense. We have added a few example sentences to help you.

Some More Examples

• IPL has been gaining
• We have been planning to buy a car.
• You have been planning to go on a vacation.

Also Read About:

• How to Build English Vocabulary?
• Importance of Building Communication Skills

Use of Since and For

We use since and for with Present Perfect Continuous Tense, so you must understand the differences.

Examples of Use of Since and For

• She has been working on the article since this morning.
• I have been working on this article for weeks.
• We have been playing football since 5:00 PM.
• You have been trying to get admission to Oxford University for years.
• India has been losing World Cup tournaments for years.

Check out:

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Using Present Perfect Continuous Tense

You must understand common mistakes that most students make while using the Present Perfect Continuous Tense. Here is the list of mistakes that you should avoid.

• Not using Has/Have accurately
• Not Using For/Since accurately
• Not using the correct form of the verb
• Not adding “Been” in Sentence

Avoid these common mistakes. This will help you to improve your knowledge of grammar and tenses.

Also check out:

How to Practice for Present Perfect Continuous Tense?

It is always said that keep practicing and this will help you improve your knowledge. Below, we have added a few sentences to practice and do self-evaluation real quickly.

Beginner Level Examples

• They have been eating for hours.
• Have you been feeling well?
• My mom has been baking cookies all afternoon.
• It has been raining all day.
• We have been learning a new song.

Fill in the Blanks- Beginner-Level

1. Ram ________ (think) about his new house.
2. Rohan _________ (Plan) to get a new car.
3. We_______ (discuss) the plan of action for the next meeting.
4. Kanishk ______ (prepare) for his wedding for years.
5. He _________ (read) newspaper since morning.
6. She _________ (present) her new project.
7. They _________ (listen) to the music.
8. Chandra_________ (read) the new research paper.
9. Students __________ (wait) for teachers since 2023.
10. She _________ (cook) delicious for years.

Answers:

Intermediate Level Examples

1. He has been feeling better after taking medicine.
2. We have been playing football every evening.
3. The teacher has been helping students with their homework all week.

Fill in the Blanks

1. We _________ (Plan) to get a new car ____ 2019.
2. We_______ (discuss) the plan of action for the next meeting _____ last Monday.
3. Rohit ______ (practice)  to play the next match _____ hours.
4. He _________ (design) a newspaper _____ morning.
5. The team of scientists _________ (work) to find a new vaccine _____ months.
6. Racers ________ (tune) their cars _______ weeks.
7. Students __________ (wait) for teachers ______  2023.
8. She _________ (cook) delicious _____ years.

Answers:

Related Reads:

1. Simple Present Tense
2. Present Continuous Tense
3. Present Perfect Tense