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Present Perfect Continuous
Present Perfect Continuous
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FORM
B We use the present perfect continuous for an action which started in the past, lasted for some time
and has finished recently. The result of the action is visible or has effect in the present.
He is dirty. He has been playing football. (He is no longer playing football, but the fact that his
clothes are dirty is visible now.)
She’s been smoking again. I can smell the cigarettes on her breath. (She is not smoking now but I
can smell the cigarettes on her breath because the action has recently finished.)
More examples:
You look hot. Have you been running?
It has been raining. All the clothes I hung out are wet.
Her eyes are red. She’s been crying.
C The present perfect continuous is also used to express anger, annoyance or irritation.
Who has been reading my business papers? (The speaker is irritated.)
Has the dog been chewing on my slippers? (The speaker is angry.)
Somebody has been giving away our plans. (The speaker is irritated.)
Use the Present Perfect Continuous and complete the sentences with the correct consequence
from the box.
She (work) all night. They (run) for a bus. She (not take) her medicine.
He (not eat) very much. He (not do) his homework. He (write) to his girlfriend.
1. Jo looks tired. She’s been working all night.
2. Peter looks happy. ……………………………………………………………………………………..
3. Laura looks ill again. …………………………………………………………………………………
4. George and Roger look out of breath. …………………………………………………………………
5. Bill looks a bit thin. ……………………………………………………………………………………
6. Tim’s doing badly at school. …………………………………………………………………………..