Use of the Present Perfect Progressive

When do we use the Present Perfect Progressive?

The Present Perfect Progressive is not easy to understand for ESL students. It is a combination of past and present where actions in the past have something to do with the present. The focus is not on the result (this is Present Perfect) but on the action itself.

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 since 5 o'clock. (It was too long.)

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

2. recently completed actions (focus on the action)

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

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