do and dynamic verbs in the Present Perfect Progressive
How to use special verbs in the Present Perfect Progressive
We do not normally use verbs which express a state in this tense. We prefer verbs which describe a process.
A verb which expresses an action (dynamic verb) can form both Present Perfect and Present Perfect Progressive:
1. Present Perfect
I have visited him in Canada. (The focus is on the result. – I have been there and I have met him.)
2. Present Perfect Progressive
I have been visiting him in Canada. (The focus is on the duration of the action.)
A verb which expresses a state can only form Present Perfect:
I have believed him.
Have a look at verbs which are not used in progressive forms (state verbs).
3. do as a main verb
Pronouns | Affirmative sentences | Negative sentences | Questions |
---|---|---|---|
I | I have been doing an exercise. | I have not been doing an exercise. | Have I been doing an exercise? |
you | You have been doing an exercise. | You have not been doing an exercise. | Have you been doing an exercise? |
he, she, it | He has been doing an exercise. | He has not been doing an exercise. | Has he been doing an exercise? |
we, you, they | They have been doing an exercise. | They have not been doing an exercise. | Have they been doing an exercise? |
► We can subtitute haven't been doing (hasn't been doing) for have not been doing (has not been doing).