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 the Present Perfect and the Present Perfect Progressive:
I have visited him in Canada. (The focus is on the result. - I have been there and I have met him.)
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 the Present Perfect:
I have believed him.
Have a look at verbs which are not used in progressive forms (state verbs).
| 1) do as a main verb | ||
|---|---|---|
| affirmative sentence | negative sentence | question |
| I, we, you, they: | ||
| I have been doing an exercise. | I have not been doing an exercise. | Have I 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? |
NOTE:
We can subtitute haven't been doing (hasn't been doing) for have not been doing (has not been doing).
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