Present Perfect Continuous
The Present Perfect Continuous (sometimes called the Present Perfect Progressive) is not as common as other tenses, but it is still useful to understand and recognise. We make it with the present perfect of 'be' + verb-ing.
The structure is: subject + have/has been + verb-ing.
How to Form the Present Perfect Continuous
Positive Sentences
Use have / has been + verb-ing.
| Full Form | Short Form |
|---|---|
| I have been walking | I've been walking |
| You have been running | You've been running |
| He has been cooking | He's been cooking |
| She has been swimming | She's been swimming |
| It has been raining | It's been raining |
| We have been studying | We've been studying |
| They have been sleeping | They've been sleeping |
Negative Sentences
To make the negative, add not after have / has.
| Full Form | Short Form |
|---|---|
| I have not been walking | I haven't been walking |
| You have not been running | You haven't been running |
| He has not been cooking | He hasn't been cooking |
| She has not been swimming | She hasn't been swimming |
| It has not been raining | It hasn't been raining |
| We have not been studying | We haven't been studying |
| They have not been sleeping | They haven't been sleeping |
Yes / No Questions
To form a yes/no question, put have / has before the subject.
Examples:
- Have I been walking?
- Have you been running?
- Has he been cooking?
- Has she been swimming?
- Has it been raining?
- Have we been studying?
- Have they been sleeping?
Wh- Questions
For wh- questions, add the question word before have / has.
Examples:
- What have I been doing?
- Where have you been running?
- What has he been studying?
- Why has she been working today?
- How long has it been raining?
- How long have we been watching this film?
- How long have they been living here?
When do we use the Present Perfect Continuous?
⚠️ Note: Stative verbs (like love, know, believe) are generally not used in the continuous forms.
Learn about Stative VerbsRelated Lessons
Present Perfect Simple
Learn how to talk about life experiences and past actions with present results.
Present Perfect or Past Simple
See when to talk about life experience vs completed actions.
Present Perfect Simple or Present Perfect Continuous
Learn when to focus on results and when to focus on ongoing activity.
Present Perfect Continuous or Past Continuous
See the difference between ongoing past actions and actions continuing until now.