Form the present perfect continuous with have or has been plus the -ing form, as in she has been studying English since 2018, to describe actions that started in the past and continue now, or actions that just stopped but left a visible result. Have goes with I, you, we, and they, and has with he, she, and it.
Grammar Rule
Have/has been + verb-ing describes actions that started in the past and continue up to now, or actions that just stopped but have a visible result.
Present Perfect Continuous: Rules and Examples
| Subject | Form | Example |
|---|---|---|
| he / she / it | has been + verb-ing | She has been studying English since 2018. It has been raining all day. |
| I / you / we / they | have been + verb-ing | I have been working here for five years. They haven’t been sleeping well lately. |
| Question | Have/Has + subject + been + verb-ing? | Have you been waiting long? |
Remember: have/has + been + verb-ing, agreeing with the subject.
Practice Test
Instructions
Answer each question in the test below forming the correct present perfect continuous sentence. You will get a new random set of questions every time you retake the test, plus a downloadable results summary with your name and score at the end.
Present Perfect Continuous
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do you form the present perfect continuous?
Use have or has plus been plus the -ing form of the verb, choosing have for I, you, we, and they, and has for he, she, and it, as in she has been studying English since 2018.
What does the present perfect continuous describe?
It describes an action that started in the past and continues up to now, or one that just stopped but has a visible result, as in it has been raining all day.
How do you form a question in the present perfect continuous?
Put have or has before the subject, followed by been and the -ing form, as in have you been waiting long.
What time expressions are common with the present perfect continuous?
Expressions like since 2018, for five years, and all day are common, showing how long the action has been happening.