B1-B2 grammar reference
Present Perfect Progressive
Use the present perfect progressive when an activity began in the past and continues now, or has just stopped but left visible evidence. It highlights duration, repetition, or the activity itself.
Form at a glance
Form: subject + have/has been + verb-ing
When to use it
- Ongoing duration:
I have been waiting for forty minutes.
- Recent activity with a present result:
Her eyes are red because she has been crying.
- Repeated activity up to now:
They have been calling me all morning.
Sentence patterns
| Form | Pattern | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Affirmative | S + have/has been + V-ing | He has been studying all day. |
| Negative | S + have/has not been + V-ing | We have not been sleeping well. |
| Question | Have/Has + S + been + V-ing? | Have you been exercising? |
| Duration | ... + since/for | It has been raining since noon. |
Compare the meaning
Present perfect progressive
Focus on activity or duration: I have been painting the kitchen.
Present perfect simple
Focus on completion or quantity: I have painted three rooms.
Common mistakes
- Keep all three parts of the verb phrase:
has been working
. - Do not normally use it with stative verbs:
I have known her for years
, nothave been knowing.
- A completed activity can still use this form when its evidence is present; it does not always mean the action continues.
Nuance and natural usage
- With verbs such as live, work, study, both present perfect forms may be possible; the progressive more strongly presents the situation as ongoing or temporary.
- Questions with how long often invite this form when the answer describes an activity.