Present Perfect Continuous Tense | Rules and Examples

Learn how to use the Present Perfect Continuous tense (also known as the Present Perfect Progressive tense) in English with examples.

Forming the Present Perfect Continuous

Contractions

The subject and the first auxiliary are often contracted when using the Present Perfect Continuous tense in speaking and in informal writing.

Have = ‘ve

Has = ‘s

Examples:

How to Use the Present Perfect Continuous Tense?

The Present Perfect Continuous tense is used to:

• Express long actions that started in the past and continue until now

Examples:

I‘ve been living in Ireland for almost 4 years.

I‘ve been studying all day and I’m absolutely exhausted now.

• Express recent actions that have clear evidence or results now

Examples:

You’ve lost a lot of weight. Have you been going to the gym?

Her eyes are red because she‘s been crying all evening.

• Typically used for shorter, more temporary situations

Examples:

I‘ve been living in Ireland for 18 months.

My sister‘s been working in that hospital for a few months.

• Note:

Always use the present perfect simple (not continuous) with the verbs believe, know, understand, like/dislike, belong, own:

Examples:

We‘ve known each other since we were kids.

I‘ve never understood math very well.

He‘s always liked sports.