English grammar › B2
Present perfect continuous
Level B2 · I've been waiting for an hour
What is the present perfect continuous?
It describes an activity that started in the past and is still going on, or has just stopped. The focus is on how long.
When you use it
- Duration: I’ve been waiting for an hour.
- Visible results: You’re wet — have you been running?
Pattern
have / has been + verb-ing
Examples
- She **has been learning** English **since** May. — since + start point
- We**’ve been working for** three hours. — for + length of time
Combines the present perfect and the -ing form.
The rule
have / has been + -ing for an activity that started in the past and is still going on, or has just stopped — focus on how long.
Result → activity: I've written three emails. → I've been writing emails all morning.
Important
Use the simple form for a finished number: I've read 50 pages (not have been reading 50 pages).
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