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Lesson 4: Master Present Perfect Continuous Tense | Full Guide + Exercises
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February 8, 2026
PRESENT PERFECT CONTINUOUS: COMPLETE B2 LEVEL TUTORIAL
Master one of the most sophisticated tenses in English grammar with this comprehensive guide designed for B2-level learners.
📚 Introduction
The Present Perfect Continuous is one of the most sophisticated tenses in English grammar, particularly important for B2-level learners who need to express ongoing actions with connections to the present moment. This comprehensive tutorial will guide you through every aspect of this tense, from its formation to its practical applications in real-world communication.
📝 Part 1: Form and Structure
✅ Affirmative Form
Formula: Subject + have/has + been + verb-ing
Examples:
- I have been studying English for three years.
- She has been working at the company since 2020.
- They have been living in London for six months.
- We have been waiting for the bus for 20 minutes.
- He has been playing tennis all morning.
Note: Use "have" with I, you, we, they, and "has" with he, she, it.
❌ Negative Form
Formula: Subject + have/has + not + been + verb-ing
Contractions: haven't been, hasn't been
Examples:
- I haven't been sleeping well lately.
- She hasn't been feeling well this week.
- They haven't been attending classes regularly.
- We haven't been exercising enough.
- He hasn't been eating properly.
❓ Question Form
Formula: Have/Has + subject + been + verb-ing?
Examples:
- Have you been studying for the exam?
- Has she been working overtime?
- Have they been traveling around Europe?
- Has he been practicing his presentation?
- Have we been making progress?
🔍 Wh- Questions
Formula: Wh- word + have/has + subject + been + verb-ing?
Examples:
- How long have you been learning English?
- What has she been doing all day?
- Where have they been staying?
- Why has he been avoiding me?
- Who has been using my computer?
🎯 Part 2: Uses and Functions
Use 1: Actions Continuing Up to the Present Moment
The Present Perfect Continuous emphasizes the duration of an action that started in the past and is still continuing now.
Time expressions commonly used:
• for (+ period of time): for two hours, for three weeks, for ages
• since (+ point in time): since Monday, since 2020, since I was a child
• all day/week/month/year
• recently, lately
• for (+ period of time): for two hours, for three weeks, for ages
• since (+ point in time): since Monday, since 2020, since I was a child
• all day/week/month/year
• recently, lately
Examples:
- We have been driving for five hours. Can't we have a break soon?
(We started driving five hours ago and we're still driving now) - She has been teaching at this school since 2015.
(She started in 2015 and still teaches there) - I have been trying to contact you all day!
(I started this morning and I'm still trying) - They have been renovating their house for months.
(The renovation started months ago and continues now) - How long have you been waiting?
(You started waiting in the past and you're still waiting)
Use 2: Actions That Have Just Stopped with Present Results
The Present Perfect Continuous describes an action that was in progress until very recently, and we can see or feel the results now.
Examples:
- I'm out of breath because I've been running to get here in time.
(I just stopped running, and the result is that I'm breathless now) - Why are your eyes red? Have you been crying?
(The crying has just stopped, but the evidence remains) - The ground is wet. It has been raining.
(The rain has just stopped, and we can see the result) - You look tired. Have you been working all night?
(The work has just finished, and the tiredness is visible) - My hands are dirty because I've been gardening.
(The gardening activity has just ended, and the result is visible)
Use 3: Repeated Actions Over a Period
The Present Perfect Continuous can describe repeated actions over a period of time up to now.
Examples:
- I've been going to the gym three times a week.
(This is a repeated action over a period) - She's been calling me every day this week.
(Multiple calls over the week) - We've been having problems with the internet lately.
(Repeated problems recently)
⚖️ Part 3: Present Perfect Simple vs. Present Perfect Continuous
Understanding when to use each tense is crucial for B2-level proficiency.
When There's Little or No Difference
Sometimes both tenses can be used with similar meanings, especially with verbs like: live, work, teach, study, feel
Examples:
- I have worked at the airport for four years.
I have been working at the airport for four years.
(Both emphasize the duration; meaning is essentially the same) - She has lived in Paris since 2019.
She has been living in Paris since 2019.
(Both are acceptable with similar meanings) - How long have you studied English?
How long have you been studying English?
(Both ask about duration)
When There IS a Difference
Focus on Completion vs. Duration
✓ Present Perfect Simple
Focus on completion or result
⏱ Present Perfect Continuous
Focus on duration or activity
Examples:
- I have read that book about cruise ships.
(Finished - I completed the book) - I have been reading that book about cruise ships.
(Not finished - I'm still reading it; emphasis on the activity)
- She has written three reports today.
(Completed - focus on the number finished) - She has been writing reports all day.
(Ongoing activity - focus on the duration)
- They have painted the house.
(Finished - the job is complete) - They have been painting the house.
(Ongoing or just finished - focus on the activity)
Permanent vs. Temporary Situations
✓ Present Perfect Simple
Often suggests something more permanent
⏱ Present Perfect Continuous
Often suggests something more temporary
Examples:
- He has worked in banking. (Career/permanent)
He has been working in a café. (Temporary job) - I have lived in Spain. (Life experience/permanent period)
I have been living with my parents. (Temporary arrangement)
⏰ Part 4: Time Expressions
Common Time Expressions with Present Perfect Continuous
| Expression Type | Examples |
|---|---|
| For (duration) | for two hours, for a week, for ages, for a long time, for years |
| Since (starting point) | since Monday, since last week, since 2020, since I arrived, since this morning |
| Other expressions | all day/morning/week/year, lately, recently, just, how long...? |
Examples:
- I've been learning Spanish for six months.
- She's been working here since January.
- They've been arguing all morning.
- We've been having technical issues lately.
- He's just been exercising. (British English)
- How long have you been standing there?
⚠️ Part 5: Important Notes and Common Mistakes
⚡ Watch Out! Important Points
1. Not Used with "Ever" and "Never"
The Present Perfect Continuous is NOT normally used with ever and never.
✓ Correct:
Have you ever flown in a helicopter before? (Present Perfect Simple)
I have never tried sushi.
Has she ever visited Japan?
✗ Incorrect:
Have you ever been flying in a helicopter before?
I have never been trying sushi.
Has she ever been visiting Japan?
2. State Verbs
State verbs (non-action verbs) are generally not used in continuous forms, including the Present Perfect Continuous.
Common state verbs:
• Mental states: know, believe, understand, remember, forget, think (opinion)
• Emotions: love, hate, like, prefer, want, need
• Senses: see, hear, smell, taste (involuntary)
• Possession: have (possession), own, belong, possess
• Other: be, seem, appear, consist, contain, depend
• Mental states: know, believe, understand, remember, forget, think (opinion)
• Emotions: love, hate, like, prefer, want, need
• Senses: see, hear, smell, taste (involuntary)
• Possession: have (possession), own, belong, possess
• Other: be, seem, appear, consist, contain, depend
✓ Correct:
I have known him for ten years. (Present Perfect Simple)
She has loved classical music since childhood.
We have owned this car for five years.
✗ Incorrect:
I have been knowing him for ten years.
She has been loving classical music since childhood.
We have been owning this car for five years.
3. Questions with "How Long"
When asking about duration, "How long" is very commonly used with the Present Perfect Continuous.
Examples:
- How long have you been waiting?
- How long has she been studying?
- How long have they been dating?
- How long has it been raining?
4. British vs. American English
British English uses the Present Perfect Continuous more frequently than American English, especially with "just."
- British English: I've just been talking to Sarah.
- American English (more common): I just talked to Sarah. (Simple Past)
🚀 Part 6: Advanced Usage at B2 Level
Emphasis and Nuance
The Present Perfect Continuous can add emphasis to show:
1. Frustration or annoyance:
- I've been trying to call you all day! (Where have you been?)
- Who's been using my laptop? (I'm annoyed about this)
2. Exhaustion:
- I've been working on this project for 12 hours straight.
- We've been walking for miles. I need to rest.
3. Explanation:
- Sorry I'm late. I've been dealing with a family emergency.
- That's why I'm so happy – I've been receiving good news all day!
Multiple Time Periods
You can use the Present Perfect Continuous to describe activities across different time periods:
Examples:
- I've been going to that gym on and off for two years.
- She's been visiting her grandmother every weekend since the summer.
- We've been having meetings about this issue for months now.
📋 EXERCISES
Now let's practice what you've learned with five progressive exercises, moving from accuracy to activation.
Exercise 1: Form Practice (Accuracy)
Instructions: Complete the sentences with the correct form of the Present Perfect Continuous using the verbs in brackets.
1. I _________________ (study) for my exam all week.
Answer: have been studying
2. She _________________ (not/feel) well since Monday.
Answer: hasn't been feeling
3. How long _________________ (you/wait) for me?
Answer: have you been waiting
4. They _________________ (live) in that house for ten years.
Answer: have been living
5. He _________________ (not/exercise) regularly lately.
Answer: hasn't been exercising
6. _________________ (it/rain) all day?
Answer: Has it been raining
7. We _________________ (try) to contact the manager since this morning.
Answer: have been trying
8. Sarah _________________ (work) on her thesis for six months.
Answer: has been working
9. The children _________________ (not/behave) well recently.
Answer: haven't been behaving
10. What _________________ (you/do) all afternoon?
Answer: have you been doing
11. I _________________ (learn) Spanish since January.
Answer: have been learning
12. _________________ (they/argue) again?
Answer: Have they been arguing
13. My computer _________________ (not/work) properly for weeks.
Answer: hasn't been working
14. How long _________________ (she/teach) at this school?
Answer: has she been teaching
15. We _________________ (plan) this trip for months.
Answer: have been planning
Exercise 2: Present Perfect Simple vs. Continuous
Instructions: Choose the correct form: Present Perfect Simple or Present Perfect Continuous. In some cases, both may be possible.
1. I _________________ (read) three books this month.
a) have read
b) have been reading
a) have read
b) have been reading
Answer: a) have read
Explanation: Completed action with number
Explanation: Completed action with number
2. She _________________ (read) that novel for weeks, but she hasn't finished it yet.
a) has read
b) has been reading
a) has read
b) has been reading
Answer: b) has been reading
Explanation: Ongoing, not finished
Explanation: Ongoing, not finished
3. How many emails _________________ (you/send) today?
a) have you sent
b) have you been sending
a) have you sent
b) have you been sending
Answer: a) have you sent
Explanation: Asking for number/completion
Explanation: Asking for number/completion
4. I'm exhausted because I _________________ (work) in the garden all morning.
a) have worked
b) have been working
a) have worked
b) have been working
Answer: b) have been working
Explanation: Emphasis on duration and present result
Explanation: Emphasis on duration and present result
5. They _________________ (live) in Tokyo since 2018.
a) have lived
b) have been living
c) both are correct
a) have lived
b) have been living
c) both are correct
Answer: c) both are correct
Explanation: Little difference with "live"
Explanation: Little difference with "live"
6. I _________________ (never/try) Japanese food.
a) have never tried
b) have never been trying
a) have never tried
b) have never been trying
Answer: a) have never tried
Explanation: Never = Present Perfect Simple
Explanation: Never = Present Perfect Simple
7. She _________________ (paint) the kitchen. It looks great now!
a) has painted
b) has been painting
a) has painted
b) has been painting
Answer: a) has painted
Explanation: Completed with visible result
Explanation: Completed with visible result
8. Who _________________ (eat) my chocolate? There's none left!
a) has eaten
b) has been eating
a) has eaten
b) has been eating
Answer: a) has eaten
Explanation: Completed action - it's all gone
Explanation: Completed action - it's all gone
9. I _________________ (know) him for ten years.
a) have known
b) have been knowing
a) have known
b) have been knowing
Answer: a) have known
Explanation: State verb
Explanation: State verb
10. We _________________ (have) some problems with the new software lately.
a) have had
b) have been having
c) both are correct
a) have had
b) have been having
c) both are correct
Answer: c) both are correct
Explanation: Acceptable with both
Explanation: Acceptable with both
11. How long _________________ (you/study) English?
a) have you studied
b) have you been studying
c) both are correct
a) have you studied
b) have you been studying
c) both are correct
Answer: c) both are correct
Explanation: Acceptable with both
Explanation: Acceptable with both
12. I _________________ (write) emails all afternoon.
a) have written
b) have been writing
a) have written
b) have been writing
Answer: b) have been writing
Explanation: Emphasis on duration of activity
Explanation: Emphasis on duration of activity
13. She _________________ (write) five reports today.
a) has written
b) has been writing
a) has written
b) has been writing
Answer: a) has written
Explanation: Completed with number
Explanation: Completed with number
14. _________________ (you/ever/visit) Paris?
a) Have you ever visited
b) Have you ever been visiting
a) Have you ever visited
b) Have you ever been visiting
Answer: a) Have you ever visited
Explanation: Ever = Present Perfect Simple
Explanation: Ever = Present Perfect Simple
15. My hands are dirty because I _________________ (fix) the car.
a) have fixed
b) have been fixing
a) have fixed
b) have been fixing
Answer: b) have been fixing
Explanation: Recent activity with present result
Explanation: Recent activity with present result
Exercise 3: Error Correction
Instructions: Find and correct the mistakes in these sentences. Some sentences may be correct.
1. I have been knowing her since university.
Incorrect: I have been knowing known her since university.
Explanation: State verb - cannot use continuous
Explanation: State verb - cannot use continuous
2. How long have you been waiting here?
Correct ✓
3. She has been reading that book yesterday.
Incorrect: She has been reading read that book yesterday.
Explanation: Use Simple Past with "yesterday"
Explanation: Use Simple Past with "yesterday"
4. They have been working on this project for three months.
Correct ✓
5. Have you ever been visiting Australia?
Incorrect: Have you ever been visiting visited Australia?
Explanation: Use Present Perfect Simple with "ever"
Explanation: Use Present Perfect Simple with "ever"
6. I'm tired because I have been running.
Correct ✓
7. He has been owning that car for five years.
Incorrect: He has been owning owned that car for five years.
Explanation: State verb - cannot use continuous
Explanation: State verb - cannot use continuous
8. We've been living in this apartment since 2020.
Correct ✓
9. What have you been doing all day?
Correct ✓
10. She has been wanting to learn French for ages.
Incorrect: She has been wanting wanted to learn French for ages.
Explanation: State verb - cannot use continuous
Explanation: State verb - cannot use continuous
11. It has been raining all morning.
Correct ✓
12. How many times have you been calling me today?
Incorrect: How many times have you been calling called me today?
Explanation: Asking for number = Present Perfect Simple
Explanation: Asking for number = Present Perfect Simple
13. I haven't been seeing him lately.
Incorrect: I haven't been seeing seen him lately.
Explanation: State verb when meaning "meet/encounter"
Explanation: State verb when meaning "meet/encounter"
14. They have been just arriving.
Incorrect: They have just arrived.
Explanation: Better with Present Perfect Simple
Explanation: Better with Present Perfect Simple
15. Who has been using my computer?
Correct ✓
Exercise 4: Gap-Fill with Context
Instructions: Complete the dialogue using the Present Perfect Continuous or Present Perfect Simple form of the verbs in brackets. Pay attention to the context.
Dialogue 1:
A: You look exhausted! What (1) _________________ (you/do)?
Answer: have you been doing
B: I (2) _________________ (prepare) for my presentation all day. I (3) _________________ (not/take) a break since this morning.
Answer (2): have been preparing
Answer (3): haven't taken
Answer (3): haven't taken
A: How long (4) _________________ (you/work) on this project?
Answer: have you been working
B: Well, I (5) _________________ (work) on it for about three weeks now, but I (6) _________________ (not/finish) yet. There's still so much to do!
Answer (5): have been working
Answer (6): haven't finished
Answer (6): haven't finished
A: (7) _________________ (you/talk) to the manager about extending the deadline?
Answer: Have you talked / Have you been talking (both acceptable)
B: Yes, I (8) _________________ (try) to contact her all week, but she (9) _________________ (not/respond) to my emails.
Answer (8): have been trying
Answer (9): hasn't responded
Answer (9): hasn't responded
Dialogue 2:
C: Hi! Sorry I'm late. (10) _________________ (you/wait) long?
Answer: Have you been waiting
D: Yes! I (11) _________________ (stand) here for 30 minutes! Where (12) _________________ (you/be)?
Answer (11): have been standing
Answer (12): have you been
Answer (12): have you been
C: I'm so sorry. I (13) _________________ (have) problems with my car lately, and it (14) _________________ (not/start) this morning.
Answer (13): have been having
Answer (14): didn't start (Simple Past for specific time "this morning")
Answer (14): didn't start (Simple Past for specific time "this morning")
D: Oh no! How long (15) _________________ (you/have) these problems?
Answer: have you been having / have you had (both acceptable)
C: They (16) _________________ (happen) on and off for a few weeks now. I think I need to take it to a mechanic.
Answer: have been happening
D: You should. Anyway, let's go. The movie (17) _________________ (already/start).
Answer: has already started
Exercise 5: Free Production (Activation)
Instructions: Answer these questions with complete sentences using the Present Perfect Continuous. Add extra information to make your answers more interesting and natural.
1. What have you been doing to improve your English recently?
Sample Answer: I've been watching English movies with subtitles to improve my listening skills. I've also been practicing speaking with a language exchange partner twice a week for the past two months, and it's really helping me become more confident.
2. How long have you been studying English, and what methods have you been using?
Sample Answer: I've been studying English for about five years now. Recently, I've been using apps like Duolingo and I've been listening to English podcasts during my commute. I've also been reading English news articles every morning to expand my vocabulary.
3. Describe a hobby or activity you've been doing regularly. How long have you been doing it?
Sample Answer: I've been playing the guitar for three years. I've been practicing almost every day, usually for about 30 minutes in the evening. Lately, I've been learning some jazz pieces, which are quite challenging but very rewarding.
4. Have you been working on any personal projects lately? What have you been trying to achieve?
Sample Answer: Yes, I've been working on creating a personal website. I've been learning web design and coding for about six months, and I've been trying to build something that showcases my photography. It's been a slow process, but I'm making progress.
5. What TV series or books have you been enjoying recently? How long have you been watching/reading them?
Sample Answer: I've been reading a fantasy series called "The Stormlight Archive." I've been reading it for about two months, and I'm currently on the second book. I've also been watching a Korean drama series that my friend recommended, and I've been completely hooked on it for the past three weeks.
6. Have you been experiencing any challenges in your life lately? What have you been doing to overcome them?
Sample Answer: I've been dealing with stress from work lately. To overcome it, I've been practicing meditation every morning for 15 minutes, and I've been going for walks in the park after work. I've also been trying to maintain better work-life balance by not checking emails after 7 PM.
7. Think about your daily routine. What activities have you been doing every day for a long time?
Sample Answer: I've been drinking coffee every morning for as long as I can remember! I've also been walking my dog twice a day for the past three years since we got him. Recently, I've been trying to exercise more regularly, so I've been going to the gym three times a week.
8. Have you been planning any trips or special events? What preparations have you been making?
Sample Answer: Yes, I've been planning a trip to Japan for next spring. I've been saving money for about eight months now, and I've been researching the best places to visit. I've also been learning some basic Japanese phrases to help me communicate better when I'm there.
9. What changes have you been noticing in your city or neighborhood recently?
Sample Answer: I've been noticing a lot of new construction in my neighborhood. They've been building a new shopping center for the past year, and it's almost finished. I've also been seeing more cyclists on the roads because the city has been creating new bike lanes.
10. Who have you been spending most of your time with lately, and what have you been doing together?
Sample Answer: I've been spending most of my time with my family lately. We've been having dinner together every evening, which is something we started doing a few months ago. On weekends, we've been going on hikes and exploring new trails in the mountains nearby. It's been really nice to have this quality time together.
🎓 Conclusion
The Present Perfect Continuous is a versatile and expressive tense that allows you to communicate duration, ongoing actions, and recent activities with present results. At the B2 level, mastering this tense—and knowing when to use it instead of the Present Perfect Simple—is essential for natural, fluent English.
🔑 Key Points to Remember:
- Form: have/has + been + verb-ing
- Main uses:
- Actions continuing to the present
- Recent actions with present results
- Emphasis on duration and activity
- Not used with: ever, never, state verbs
- Common with: for, since, all day/week, lately, recently, how long
💡 Final Tip: Keep practicing with real-life situations, and you'll find this tense becoming more natural in your everyday English communication!
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