Present perfect Continuous
Present perfect continuous (progressive) can refer to a range of meanings,
depending on the time expression used and the context.
A state which lasts up to the present moment
I've been waiting for you for three hours! An incomplete activity
I've been cleaning the house but I still haven't finished. To emphasise duration
I've been writing letters all morning. A recently finished activity
I've been running. That's why I look hot. A repeated activity
I've been taking French lessons this year.
Contrasts with present perfect simple
There may be little contrast when some state verbs are used.
How long have you lived here? How long have you been living here? Some verbs (especially
sit, lie, wait and
stay) prefer the continuous form.
There may be a contrast between completion and incompletion, especially if
the number of items completed is mentioned.
Completed: emphasis on achievement
I've ironed five shirts this morning. Incomplete, or recently completed: emphasis on duration
I've been ironing my shirts this morning. Time expressions with present perfect Meaning with present perfect verb forms is associated with certain time expressions.
Contrast with past simple may depend on the choice of time expression.
Past simple: referring to a specific finished time.
yesterday, last week, on Sunday Present perfect: with 'indefinite' time expressions meaning 'up to now'.
since 1968, already Many time expressions are not associated with a specific verb form, since they
refer both to finished time or time up to the present, depending on the speaker's perspective.
