The present perfect progressive tense refers to continuous actions. We shall explore present perfect progressive tense with 19 present perfect progressive examples.
Examples of present perfect progressive tense are given below.
- 1.Tanushree has been listening to news for two hours.
- 2.I have been waiting at the station for the train since 10 a.m.
- 3.They have been playing cricket for several hours.
- 4.The boys have been watching the game for three hours.
- 5.My elder sister has been working as a teacher in this school since 1998.
- 6.The girls have been chatting on the courtyard for two hours.
- 7.Susama has been suffering from fever since last Monday.
- 8.He has been trying to learn English for five months.
- 9.Ipsita has been singing for one hour.
- 10.The little boy has been sleeping for an hour.
- 11.Shyamali has been living in Kolkata since 1999.
All the above examples of present perfect progressive tense convey that the actions started in the past and are in progress till the present moment. All these sentences deal with the facts that the actions beginning in the past are continuing for period or point of time.
What is present perfect progressive tense?
Present perfect progressive tense is one of the four forms of present tense. Let’s explain it.
The present perfect progressive tense is one of the four forms of present tense that refers to on-going activity that started earlier and is continuing in the present. It emphasizes the duration of an action or the amount of time.
Ex- Somashree has been riding bi-cycle for an hour.
Explanation- Here the action of riding started earlier and is continuing for a period of time.
Where to use present perfect progressive tense?
If there is a reference of uninterrupted action the present perfect progressive tense is used. Now we will see it.
The present perfect progressive tense refers to the actions taking place in the time that is not specified. One who uses this form of tense thinks about something that started in the past but does not complete in that period of time.
Ex- I have been living in Mumbai since 20014.
Explanation- Here it is seen that my living is started in the past and is going on for a point of time.
When to use present perfect progressive tense?
The present perfect progressive tense has its use while referring to a continuous action.
We can use the present perfect progressive tense when we explore a continuing action, something going on till present time.
(a)We can use the present perfect progressive tense to point out an unfinished action.
Ex- The workers have been working here since 2001.
Explanation- Here the action beginning in the past is continuing for a point of time.
(b)We again use it to mention temporary habits or situations.
Ex-Jodu and his brother have been reading since morning.
Explanation- Here we come across an action of reading by two boys that began in the past and it may continue in future.
(c) We can use present perfect progressive tense to show finished action;
Ex- He has been working, so he is very weak.
Explanation- Here an action has been completed but its result is focussed.
How to use present perfect progressive tense?
Now we will discuss the manner of implementing the present perfect progressive tense. Let’s focus on it.
We make a sentence in the present perfect progressive tense with the verb phrase ‘have been/ have been’ before the present participle of the main verb.
Ex- Manas and Subhas have been catching fishes since morning.
Explanation- Here the action of catching fishes is continuing for a point of time.
Why to use present perfect progressive tense?
The reason for using present perfect progressive tense is given here.
We can use the present perfect progressive tense because we want to express an action that is in progress till its presentation. We have an idea of keeping on in the future.
Ex- Riddhiman and his sister have been reading for two hours.
Explanation- Here we see that the action of reading started in the past and is still in progress.
Structure of present perfect progressive tense:
The structure of present perfect progressive tense is given below.
1.We use the verb phrase ‘has been/have been’ after the subject and before the present participle of the main verb.(structure of present perfect progressive tense)
2.Subject +has /have +been +present participle of the main verb+ object (rules of framing positive sentence)
3.Subject +has/have +not +been + present participle of the main verb+ object (rules of framing negative sentence)
4.Has/have +subject+ been+ present participle of the main verb+ object(rules of framing interrogative sentence)
| Example | Explanation |
| Partha has been learning drawing for two years. | Here an action has been stated in the past. It is continuous for a period of time and fulfills the criteria of the above tense form. |
| It has not been raining for three hours. | Here the action has shown that it started in the past and is not continuing till now. A period of time is mentioned. |
| Has Sikta been preparing her lesson for an hour? | Here a question is made about an action began in the past and is continuing for a period of time. |
Formula of present perfect progressive tense:
The formula of present perfect progressive tense is as follows.
It is formed like this-Subject +has been/have been +present participle + object +since/for +time duration
Ex- Robina has been writing for an hour.
Explanation- In this sentence the action of Robina’s writing started in the past and is continuing till now.
Conclusion
In this article detailed discussion on present perfect progressive has been provided with many examples and their detailed explanations. It will help us to learn this form of tense very well.
Hi…. I am Goutam Datta. I have completed a double M. A. in English and B. Ed. I am a creative writer. Currently, I am a part of the LambdaGeeks.