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.

• 
  

  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.

Fill in the Blanks

I got to the bus stop an hour ago and my bus hasn't arrive yet.

for an hour. (wait)

Fill in the Blanks

I started guitar lessons years ago.

for years. (learn)

Fill in the Blanks

The rain started at midday and it hasn't stopped.

since midday (rain)

Fill in the Blanks

We started this phone call an hour ago.

on the phone for an hour. (chat)

Fill in the Blanks

I started feeling ill on Saturday and I still feel ill.

since Saturday. (not feel well)

Fill in the Blanks

My dad fell asleep two hours ago and he hasn´t woken up yet.

for two hours. (sleep)

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.