present perfect Continuous
It is also known as Present Perfect Continuous.

The present perfect continuous expresses an action that is still going on or has recently stopped. It puts emphasis on the duration or the course of the action.



  Form of present perfect Continuous
Form of present perfect Continuous


Use of present perfect continuous
  • Puts emphasis on the course or duration of an action and not on the result. Example: They have been waiting for 2 hours.
  • Action that has recently stopped or is still going on. Example: I've been living in Delhi since 1980.
  • Finished action that influenced the present. Example: I've been working all morning.


Signal Words for present perfect Continuous
  • All day
  • For six years
  • Since 1990
  • How long?
  • The whole week.