Present Perfect Continuous Tense in English Grammar:

The Present Perfect Continuous Tense is also known as Present Perfect Progressive Tense.  It talks about things that started in the past and are still going on at present. This tense focuses on time duration.

Present Perfect Continuous Tense Structure and Formula: (Rules)

Signal Words:

It is essential to focus on signal words because they help us identify the correct tense in a sentence. The signal words for the Present Perfect Continuous Tense are:

(for 4 years, since 2016, all day, how long?  the whole week)

Usage of the Present Perfect Continuous Tense:

 It is used to denote an action that began in the past and is continuing.

Examples:

• She has been dancing for three hours.
• My friend has been doing his research in this institution for 5 years.
• The boys have been playing since five ‘O’ clock.
• Shakthi has been preparing for the Civil Services since 2019.

Note: The use of ‘For’, ‘Since’

“For” is used with a period of time:

•  for four hours
• for ten days
• for two years

“Since” is used with a point of time:

• since two ‘O’ clock 
• since last week 
• since March
• since 1990
• since Independence                                                                                                                        

Present Perfect Continuous Vs. Present Continuous

In Present Continuous, we talk about the events going on presently.

Examples:

• He is sleeping soundly now.
• Shivani is watching TV at present.

In Present Perfect Continuous, we talk about the events that take place over a period of time.  A time expression is generally used here.

Examples:

• He has been sleeping soundly since last night.
• Shivani has been watching TV for 5 hours.

Present Perfect Continuous Vs. Present Perfect

Let’s find the key differences between Present Perfect and Present Perfect Continuous Tenses.

Note: 1

Both can be used with the same meaning:

Examples:

• She has worked here for three years.
• They have been working here for two years.

• I have been living in Hyderabad since 2016.
• They have been in Hyderabad since 2016.

Note: 2

Present Perfect talks about the result of the action:

Present Perfect Continuous talks about the time duration happen over a period of time:

Examples:

• Berry has already completed his work.
• Cherry has been doing her work for three hours.

Note: 3 

Stative verbs are not normally used in the Perfect Continuous Tenses. 

But, they can be used in Perfect Tenses. (Refer to Present Continuous Tense)

Examples:

• He has been becoming a successful man in the business. (wrong)
• He has become a successful man in the business. (right)

• I have been hoping against hope. (wrong)
• They have hoped against hope. (right)

• I have been noticing your mistakes. (wrong)
• They have noticed your mistakes. (right)

Introduction to the Tenses

The Present Simple Tense

Present Continuous Tense

Present Perfect Tense

The Past Simple Tense 

Past Continuous Tense 

The Past Perfect Tense 

Past Perfect Continuous Tense 

The Future Simple Tense

Future Continuous Tense  

The Future Perfect Tense  

Future Perfect Continuous Tense