Present Perfect Continuous Tense Rules, Structure and Examples

Present Perfect Continuous Tense is a verb tense used to describe an action that started in the past but continues in the present. It shows a state of being since something happened in the past, and it does not imply any specific end time for the action.

Definition

The present perfect continuous tense describes the action that is not completed by the present moment but is still going on. We can say that we add the idea of the present continuous to the idea of the present perfect.

Structure / Formula

The formula for affirmative, negative and question sentences is given separately.

Affirmative Sentences

Formula for affirmative sentences.

Subject + has/have + been + present participle + time reference

He/She/It + has + been + present participle

I/We/They/You + have + been + past participle

Examples

• They have been performing duty since 8 a.m.
• She has been cooking the meal for one hour.

Negative Sentences

Subject + has/have + not + been + present participle + time reference

Examples

• They have not been performing duty since 8 a.m.
• She has not been cooking the meal for one hour.

Interrogative Sentences

Has/have + subject + been + present participle + time reference + ?

Examples

• Have they been performing duty since 8 a.m?
• Has she been cooking the meal for one hour?

Read also: 50 Sentences of Present Perfect Continuous Tense

Rules / Usage

Rules/Usage	Example
To emphasize the action duration that started in past and continued to the present.	She has been reading novel all the night.
To express the anger or annoyance.	Why you have been calling me?
How long actions continued?	He has been planting flowers for two hours.
Time expression	He has been sleeping since 11 p.m.
Announcement in media	The government has been trying to reduce the inflation since last month.

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Examples

Affirmative Sentences

• He has been standing in the rain waiting for the bus.
• I have been drinking coffee for many years.
• I have been visiting Paris since 2016.
• Julia has been working in the kitchen all morning.
• Jimmy has been attending the business meeting.
• The gardener has been planting the flowers.
• Tom has been sleeping soundly for five hours.

Negative Sentences

• He has not been standing in the rain waiting for the bus.
• I have not been drinking coffee for many years.
• I have not been visiting Paris since 2016.
• Julia has not been working in the kitchen all morning.
• Jimmy has not been attending the business meeting.
• The gardener has not been planting the flowers.
• Tom has not been sleeping soundly for five hours.

Interrogative Sentences

• Has he been standing in the rain waiting for the bus?
• Have I been drinking coffee for many years?
• Have I been visiting Paris since 2016?
• Has Julia been working in the kitchen all morning?
• Has Jimmy been attending the business meeting?
• Has the gardener been planting the flowers?
• Has Tom been sleeping soundly for five hours?

Exercises

1. They _______________ in this house for five years. (live)
2. I ________________ this novel since Saturday. (read)
3. The sales manager ______________ the target of sales for many years. (achieve)
4. She _______________ to learn French for two months. (try)
5. I _______________ at home for three months. (stay)
6. He _______________ satisfactory progress since his admission to the college. (make)
7. I _______________ for you since 3 o’clock. (wait)
8. He _______________ this shirt for two months. (wear)
9. The couple _______________ on the bench for two hours. (sit)
10. Haris _______________ ten pages since morning. (type)
11. Rita _______________ at the coffee shop for her friend. (wait)
12. The kids _______________ cartoons all day. (watch)

Answers

1. They have been living in this house for five years.
2. I have been reading this novel since Saturday.
3. The sales manager has been achieving the target of sales for many years.
4. She has been trying to learn French for two months.
5. I have been staying at home for three months.
6. He has been making satisfactory progress since his admission to the college.
7. I have been waiting for you since 3 o’clock.
8. He has been wearing this shirt for two months.
9. The couple has been sitting on the bench for two hours.
10. Haris has been typing ten pages since morning.
11. Rita has been waiting at the coffee shop for her friend.
12. The kids have been watching cartoons all day.

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Further Reading

1. Simple Present Tense (Formula, Examples & Exercises)
2. 50 Sentences of Simple Present Tense
3. Simple Present Tense Worksheets
4. Present Continuous Tense Formula, Examples & Usage
5. 50 Sentences of Present Continuous Tense
6. Present Continuous Tense Worksheets
7. Present Perfect Tense with Examples
8. 50 Sentences of Present Perfect Tense
9. Present Perfect Tense Worksheets
10. Present Perfect Continuous Tense Examples, Exercise, & Structure
11. 50 Sentences of Present Perfect Continuous Tense
12. Present Perfect Continuous Tense Worksheets