Present Perfect Progressive

1. Use of the Present Perfect Progressive

1.1. actions beginning in the past and still continuing (focus is on the action) – mostly with since (point of time) or for (period of time)

I have been waiting for you for three hours. (It was too long.)

1.2. recently completed actions (focus is on the action)

She has been watching too many videos. (It took too much time.)

2. Signal words

• all day
• the whole day
• since
• for
• Questions with how long

3. Form

have/has + been + infinitive + -ing

4. Examples

4.1. Affirmative sentences in the Present Perfect Progressive

Long forms	Contracted forms
I have been playing handball.	I've been playing handball.
You have been playing handball.	You've been playing handball.
He has been playing handball.	He's been playing handball.

4.2. Negative sentences in the Present Perfect Progressive

Long forms	Contracted forms
I have not been playing handball.	I haven't been playing handball.
	I've not been playing handball.*
You have not been playing handball.	You haven't been playing handball.
	You've not been playing handball.*
He has not been playing handball.	He hasn't been playing handball.
	He's not been playing handball.*

* This form is rarely used.

4.3. Questions in the Present Perfect Progressive

Long forms	Contracted forms
Have I been playing handball?	not possible
Have you been playing handball?
Has he been playing handball?

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