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Present Perfect Cont. 2

Present Perfect Continuous Tense

Form: Subject + have/has + been + -ing verb

IELTS Writing - I have been studying English for seven years.
- Has he been sitting out there all this time?
Task 2 - No, don’t worry, he hasn’t been waiting long.

Present Perfect Let’s look at some situations when we can use it.
Continuous Tense

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Common Uses 3
Common Uses 4

Action that started in past and continues until now Action that recently stopped, but still affects now

- They have been talking for 30 minutes. - I’ve been working all day, so I’m exhausted.
- You have been sleeping for 12 hours already!
- Sorry, I’ve been singing for hours, so my throat is a little
Note: Can’t use with ‘stative’ verbs e.g. have, be, know sore.

I have been having a headache for 3 hours = WRONG Challenge:

I have had a headache for 3 hours = RIGHT Q: Why do you look so red?
A: I’ve been working out in the gym.
Challenge: Q: How long have you been preparing for the
IELTS Exam?
A: I have been preparing for the exam for 3 months.

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 Common Uses 5 6

Recent habits/behavior

- You have lost weight- you must have been going to the
gym.
- Look how good his dancing is. You can tell that he has
been practicing.

Challenge: Thank You

Q: What habit have you started recently?
A: I’ve been practicing meditation in the mornings recently.

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