Grammar basics
Present perfect continuous
Use the present perfect continuous for an action that started in the past and is still going on now. It shows how long.
Structure
| Sentence | Structure | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Positive | Subject + have/has + been + V-ing | I have been coding for three hours. |
| Negative | Subject + have/has + not + been + V-ing | He hasn't been sleeping well. |
| Question | Have/Has + subject + been + V-ing? | How long have you been learning English? |
When to use
An action that started in the past and continues now
I've been learning English for two years.
A recent action that explains something you can see now
Your eyes are red. Have you been crying?
Present perfect or present perfect continuous?
The present perfect shows a result. The present perfect continuous shows the activity and how long it took.
- I have written three blog posts. (the result)
- I have been writing all morning. (the activity)
Thai speakers: มา...แล้ว
ฉันเรียนภาษาอังกฤษมาสองปีแล้ว = I**'ve been learning** English for two years. Don't say I learn English for two years.
Time words
These words often go with the present perfect continuous.
For
Shows how long something has lasted. Use it with a length of time.
I've been waiting for twenty minutes.
Since
Shows when something started. Use it with a point in time.
I've been working here since 2022.
Lately
In the recent past, up to now.
I've been reading a lot about AI lately.