Collaboration
By
Universal-choice, with studentsPublished on October 16, 2023
Study Time:
4 minutes
Today, we're going to explore an essential tense to express the connection between past and present: the present perfect continuous (or present perfect progressive). This tense allows us to talk about an action that started in the past and is continuing at the moment we speak. Don't worry: if it sounds a little complicated, after these few simple explanations and practical examples you will have no secrets this time!
Present Perfect Continuous: The tense is essential for talking about continuous action in the past and present
What is the present perfect continuous?
The Present perfect continuous is a collective term Perfect with continuity (or progressive). It is used to talk about actions that started in the past and continue up to the present moment. This tense emphasizes the duration and unfinished nature of the action.
To train Present perfect continuousYou need two things:
-
Deputy want (or has third person singular) + was (present perfect subjunctive)
-
main verb in its form -ing (continued)
Here is the basic configuration:
Subject + have/has + been + main verb in -ing
Examples:
-
She is studying English. (She studies English.)
-
Involved in the project. (They are working on the project.)
-
I learned a new skill. (I'm learning a new skill.)
When to use Present Perfect Continuous?
-
The Present perfect continuous Can be used to talk about actions that started in the past and continue in the present.
Examples:
-
I have lived in Paris for three years. (I have lived in Paris for three years.)
-
Mary has been with the company since 2010. (Mary has been with this company since 2010.)
-
It can be used to describe repeated actions in the past up to the present.
Examples:
-
He visits his grandparents every summer. (He visits his grandparents every summer.)
-
They have been practicing the piano for hours. (They have been playing the piano for hours.)
-
The present perfect continuous allows you to ask questions about recent actions.
Examples:
-
This tense can be used to describe a present situation based on past actions.
For example: It's raining. It has been raining all morning. (It is raining. It has been raining since this morning.)
Situations that prompt the use of the present perfect continuous
There are some indicators of duration and temporality Present perfect continuous used in a sentence. Here are some of them:
For example: I am waiting for the bus for 20 minutes. (I waited 20 minutes for the bus.)
-
All day, all week, all month, etc
For example: They have been working on the project all day. (They worked on the project all day.)
For example: Have you been feeling tired lately? (Have you been tired lately?)
Congratulations! Now you will understand better Present perfect continuous Its use is to talk about ongoing actions in the past and present. Remember that practice is essential to mastering this grammar term!
you want Progress in English And control the times? 100% online GlobalExam platform helps you improve in English depending on your level and your schedule. Many high-speed activities help you practice daily themes. Detailed revisions, revision papers, statistics of your progress and Lots of tips from the blog Help you master the language of Shakespeare!
“Beeraholic. Friend of animals everywhere. Evil web scholar. Zombie maven.”
More Stories
What are the 5 most spoken languages in the world?
Master the Art of Applying Acrylic Nails at Home: A Complete Guide
Tortoises as Family Pets: Teaching Responsibility and Care