Present Perfect Continuous

Actions that started in the past and are still continuing, or have just stopped, with have/has been + -ing

Correct answers are marked. Add the set to your exercises to open it in the editor, where you can adjust tasks, play them on screen or add them to a lesson.

1. 1
   Multiple choice

   I for two hours. My arms are aching!

   have been cleaninghave cleanedam cleaningcleanThe present perfect continuous emphasises the duration of an activity up to now.
2. 2
   Multiple choice

   Why are your clothes so dirty? What ?

   have you been doingdid you dohave you doneare you doingWe use the present perfect continuous to ask about a recent activity when we can see its result now.
3. 3
   Multiple choice

   She's tired because she all morning.

   has been studyinghas studiedstudiesis studyingThe present perfect continuous explains a present result caused by a recent activity.
4. 4
   Multiple choice

   Which sentence is correct?

   I have been living here since 2015.I am living here since 2015.I live here since 2015.I have live here since 2015.The present perfect continuous with 'since' shows an action that started in the past and continues now.
5. 5
   Fill the gap

   How long (you / wait) for the bus?

   Answer: have you been waitingPresent perfect continuous questions: have/has + subject + been + -ing.
6. 6
   Fill the gap

   It (rain) all day, so the pitch is too wet to play on.

   Answer: has been rainingThe present perfect continuous is used for an activity with a visible result.
7. 7
   Fill the gap

   They (not sleep) well recently because of the noise next door.

   Answer: haven't been sleepingAlso accepted: have not been sleepingNegative present perfect continuous: haven't/hasn't been + -ing.
8. 8
   Fill the gap

   My eyes hurt because I (look) at a screen all day.

   Answer: have been lookingWe use the present perfect continuous for an action that explains a present feeling.
9. 9
   Fill the gap

   She (learn) English for three years, and now she's quite fluent.

   Answer: has been learningThe present perfect continuous with 'for' shows how long an ongoing action has lasted.
10. 10
    True / false

    This sentence is correct: 'I've been waiting for you since an hour.'

    Answer: FalseWe use 'since' with a point in time and 'for' with a period of time: 'for an hour'.
11. 11
    True / false

    This sentence is correct: 'He's been working at this company for six years.'

    Answer: TrueThe present perfect continuous with 'for' + a period of time is correct here.
12. 12
    Discussion question

    What have you been doing this week to improve your English?

    Sample answer: I've been watching English videos every evening and I've been trying to write a short diary entry before bed.