The document discusses the present perfect continuous tense in English. It is formed using "has/have been" plus the present participle. The tense expresses an action that began in the past and has continued up to the present. It can indicate either a duration of time (e.g. "for two hours") or recent/ongoing action without a specific duration (e.g. "lately"). Care should be taken when using this tense in questions as it can potentially imply the questioner has observed evidence of the action. Examples of appropriate and potentially insensitive questions are provided.

1. Present Perfect ContinuousPresent Perfect Continuous
FORMFORM
[has/have + been + present participle][has/have + been + present participle]
Examples:Examples:
You You have been waitinghave been waiting here for two hours. here for two hours.
HaveHave you you been waitingbeen waiting here for two hours? here for two hours?
You You have not been waitinghave not been waiting here for two hours. here for two hours.

2. USE 1USE 1
Duration from the Past UntilDuration from the Past Until
NowNow

3.  We use the Present Perfect Continuous toWe use the Present Perfect Continuous to
show that something started in the pastshow that something started in the past
and has continued up until now. "For fiveand has continued up until now. "For five
minutes," "for two weeks," and "sinceminutes," "for two weeks," and "since
Tuesday" are all durations which can beTuesday" are all durations which can be
used with the Present Perfect Continuous.used with the Present Perfect Continuous.

4. Examples:Examples:
 They They have been talkinghave been talking for the last hour. for the last hour.
 She She has been workinghas been working at that company for three at that company for three
years.years.
 What What havehave you you been doingbeen doing for the last 30 minutes? for the last 30 minutes?
 James James has been teachinghas been teaching at the university since at the university since
June.June.
 We We have been waiting have been waiting here for over two hours!here for over two hours!
 Why Why hashas Nancy Nancy not been takingnot been taking her medicine for the her medicine for the
last three days?last three days?

5. USE 2 Recently, LatelyUSE 2 Recently, Lately

6.  You can also use the Present PerfectYou can also use the Present Perfect
Continuous WITHOUT a duration such asContinuous WITHOUT a duration such as
"for two weeks." Without the duration, the"for two weeks." Without the duration, the
tense has a more general meaning oftense has a more general meaning of
"lately." We often use the words "lately" or"lately." We often use the words "lately" or
"recently" to emphasize this meaning."recently" to emphasize this meaning.

7. Examples:Examples:
 Recently, I Recently, I have been feelinghave been feeling really tired. really tired.
 She She has been watchinghas been watching too much television too much television
lately.lately.
 HaveHave you you been exercisingbeen exercising lately? lately?
 Mary Mary has been feelinghas been feeling a little depressed. a little depressed.
 Lisa Lisa has not been practicinghas not been practicing her English. her English.
 What What havehave you you been doingbeen doing??

8. IMPORTANTIMPORTANT
 Remember that the Present Perfect ContinuousRemember that the Present Perfect Continuous
has the meaning of "lately" or "recently." If youhas the meaning of "lately" or "recently." If you
use the Present Perfect Continuous in ause the Present Perfect Continuous in a
question such as "Have you been feelingquestion such as "Have you been feeling
alright?", it can suggest that the person looksalright?", it can suggest that the person looks
sick or unhealthy. A question such as "Have yousick or unhealthy. A question such as "Have you
been smoking?" can suggest that you smell thebeen smoking?" can suggest that you smell the
smoke on the person. Using this tense in asmoke on the person. Using this tense in a
question suggests you can see, smell, hear orquestion suggests you can see, smell, hear or
feel the results of the action. It is possible tofeel the results of the action. It is possible to
insult someone by using this tense incorrectly.insult someone by using this tense incorrectly.

9. What kinds movies have you been watching recently?
Would you recommend any?
Have you followed any TV series for a really long time?
What new TV series have you been watching that you would
recommend?
What are some of your favorite books, newspapers or
magazines that you have been reading lately?
Are there any blogs that you have been following?
Are you a member of any clubs or groups? How long have you
been a member of that club or group?
Have you found any good restaurants in this area that you
have been eating at recently?
What have you been doing with your free time recently?
Have you been getting enough exercise?
What has been happening in the news lately?
Some questions

10. What kinds movies have you been watching recently?
Would you recommend any?
Have you followed any TV series for a really long time?
What new TV series have you been watching that you would
recommend?
What are some of your favorite books, newspapers or
magazines that you have been reading lately?
Are there any blogs that you have been following?
Are you a member of any clubs or groups? How long have you
been a member of that club or group?
Have you found any good restaurants in this area that you
have been eating at recently?
What have you been doing with your free time recently?
Have you been getting enough exercise?
What has been happening in the news lately?
Some questions