Present perfect continuous

Present perfect continuous

Teacher Cristian

We use the Present perfect Continuous to talk about:

• An action that began in the past and continues up to the present.

• I've been working for this company since 2002.

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  An action which started in the past and lasted for some time. The result of the cation is visible in the present.

• David's been playing tennis so he's really tired.

• I have been going to the gym for a moth. I've lost 20 pounds.

Present perfect and Present perfect continuous.

Contrast

• We use the Present perfect continuous to emphasise the duration of an action which started in the past. For finished actions we use the present perfect simple.

• We have been living in London for twelve years. (We still live there now)

• They've lived in Moscow, Berlin and Madrid. (They don't necessarily live there any longer)

Contrast

• "How long" is the most common time expression used with the present perfect continuous. "How often/How many/How much" is usually used with the present perfect simple.

• How long has she been sleeping?

• How often have you worn that suit?

• How many English lessons have you had?

Contrast

• When we use verbs describing an state or situation (e.g. have, like, love, know), we don't use the continuous form.

• I've had an iPod for two years.

• I've been knowing you for a long time. (Incorrect)

• I have known you for a long time. (Correct)

Open Ended

Spend:

I can't afford that dress. I ________ all my money.

Open Ended

Talk

Look at the time! We ________ for hours!

Open Ended

Go out:

Ben and Sharon ________ a few times, but they didn't get on very well.

Open Ended

Spend:

We ________ too much money recently - we should save more.

Open Ended

Have:

I'm not hungry - I ________ my dinner.

Open Ended

Talk:

I don't know Tom well, but we ________ on the phone once or twice.

Open Ended

Go out:

Shane and Karen ________ since the summer and are really in love.

Open Ended

Have:

Americans _________ thanksgiving dinners for hundred years.