Present Perfect Continuous
The present perfect continuous expresses an action or situation that started in the past and is still continuing. It can also describe an event that has very recently stopped. It is used to emphasize the length of time. The present perfect continuous is formed using the construction has/have been + the present participle (root + -ing).
| Positive | Positive Short Form | Negative | Negative Short Form |
|---|---|---|---|
| I have been eating | I've been eating | I have not been eating | I haven't been eating |
| You have been talking | You've been talking | You have not been talking | You haven't been talking |
| She, he, it has been working | She, he, it's been working | She, he, it has not been working | She, he, it hasn't been working |
| We have been dancing | We've been dancing | We have not been dancing | We haven't been dancing |
| They have been sitting | They've been sitting | They have not been sitting | They haven't been sitting |
For temporary habits or situations
- She's been living with her sister while she looks for an apartment.
- We've been studying a lot recently.
- I've been eating a lot less sugar recently.
Ongoing actions
- I've been living in Rabat for five years.
- They've been waiting for the doctor for hours.
- She's been going to this same restaurant since 2014.
Actions which have very recently stopped
- It's been raining so now it's a little cooler.
- I'm so tired, I've been working on the computer for hours.
- He's been exercising, so he's really hot.