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).

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