Present Perfect Progressive. Grammar

Present Perfect Progressive.

​We use the present perfect progressive to talk about something which started in the past and continues now or which has a present result (cause or effect).

​

• ​She has been training for a half-marathon.

​We use present perfect progressive and present perfect simple to talk about past actions or states which are still connected to the present.

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​The present perfect simple usually focuses on the result of the activity in some way, and the present perfect continuous usually focuses on the activity itself in some way. 

Present Perfect Simple Present Perfect Progressive

​Focus on the result: Focus on the activity:

You've cleaned the bathroom! It looks lovely! I've been gardening. It's so nice

out there.

​

​Says 'how many' Says 'how long'

She's read ten books this summer. She's been reading that book all

​day.

​

​Describes a completed action: Describes an activity which may

continue:

​I've written you an email. I've been writing emails.

Multiple Choice

Have you always _____ garlic?

• been hating

• hated

Multiple Choice

Thanks for the recipe book! We've ___ two different recipes so far.

• been trying

• tried

Multiple Choice

I'm worried about Sam. She's ___ too hard recently.

• been working

• worked

Multiple Choice

I've ___ to call the internet company all morning but I can't get through.

• been trying

• tried

Multiple Choice

She's ___ three main ways our company can reduce costs.

• been finding

• found

Multiple Choice

He's ___ for the party for weeks.

• been preparing

• prepared

Multiple Choice

You've got white dust all over you! What have you ___?

• been doing

• done

Multiple Choice

Have your parents ___ yet?

• been arriving

• arrived