#131 - Present Perfect Continuous (Present Perfect Progressive) - English Grammar

The present perfect continuous refers to actions that started in the past and continues into the present time. To form the present perfect continuous, use "has/have + been + present participle".

Present Perfect Continuous - Basic Form

For verbs ending in a consonant, just add "-ing" to the end of the verb.

It has been raining all day.
I have been running for several miles.
She has been sleeping since noon.
They have been waiting for a long time.
She has been gaining weight recently.

Present Perfect Continuous for Verbs Ending in Vowels

Some verbs require modification before "-ing" can be added.

Verb ending in consonant + "-e", delete the e then add "-ing".

bake --> baking
write --> writing

Verb ending in "-ee" or "-o", add "-ing". No modification.

see --> seeing
go --> going

Verb ending in "-ie", "-ie" changes to "y", then add "-ing".

tie --> tying
lie --> lying

Present Perfect Continuous for Verbs Ending in Short Vowel + Consonant

Some verbs require modification before "-ing" can be added.

Single syllable: double the last consonant, then add "-ing".

sit --> sitting
shop --> shopping

Two syllables, first syllable stressed: add "-ing". No modification.

visit --> visiting
happen --> happening

Two syllables, second syllable stressed: double the last consonant, then add "-ing".

begin --> beginning

Negative Present Perfect Continuous

The negative present continuous tells about things that did not happen in the past or will not be happening in the near future. To make the negative present perfect continuous, use "has/have + not + been + present participle".

It has not been raining all day.
She has not been sleeping well lately.
They have not been waiting a long time.
He has not been feeling well lately.
She has not been growing recently.