Present Perfect Continuous

Present Perfect Continuous.

1) We use it to express the idea of an activity in progress until recently or the time or speaking. In such a way we emphase duration of an activity.

a) Where’s his office? – Sorry, I don’t know. I haven’t been working here for long (emphasis on duration)

b) Where’s his office? – Sorry, I don’t know. I haven’t worked here for long (emphasis the state of having a job)

2) We use the Present Perfect Continuous with verbs that suggest extended or repeated activity, suggest process. We use it to emphasize that activity is ongoing, repeated.

a) He’s been playing football all afternoon and needs a shower (extended action)

b) He’s broken his finger is in a lot of pain. (single action)

c) John has been kicking a football against the wall all day.

d) The workers have been calling for the chairman’s resignation.

e) He has played for the national team in 65 matches so far.

3) We use the Present Perfect Continuous rather than Present Perfect when we draw a conclusion from what we can see, hear. We often use this form to complain or criticize.

a) Who has been messing around with my papers?

b) You have been eating chocolate, haven’t you? There’s some on your shirt.

4) We use the Present Perfect Continuous for actions repeated over a period of time

a) Debbie is a good tennis player. She’ s been playing since she’s eight.

b) they’ve been meeting in this café for years.

5) We use the Present Perfect Continuous when we are interested in the activity. It doesn’t matter whether smth has been finished or not.

a) She has been painting the ceiling.

6) We use the Present Perfect Continuous to say how long for an activity that is still happening.

a) How long have you been reading that book?