Activity 4: Present Perfect Continuous

Now, let’s explore the Present Perfect Continuous tense. This tense is used to indicate actions that began in the past and are still happening now or actions that have recently stopped but have a result in the present. It emphasizes the duration or continuous nature of the action.

The Structure: The Present Perfect Continuous is formed using the Present Perfect of the verb ‘to be' (have/has been) followed by the present participle (-ing form) of the main verb.

When to Use:

  1. Actions in Progress Recently or Lately:
    • Example: My parents have been traveling around Europe recently.
  2. To Show the Duration of an Action:
    • Example: He has been working here for six months.
  3. Actions that Have Just Stopped and Have a Present Result:
    • Example: They are sweaty because they have been exercising.

Rules:

  • Affirmative Sentences: Subject + has/have + been + present participle
    • Example: They have been studying for three hours.
  • Negative Sentences: Subject + has/have + not + been + present participle
    • Example: She has not been feeling well lately.
  • Interrogative Sentences: Has/Have + subject + been + present participle?
    • Example: Have you been waiting long?

Instructions

Fill in the blanks with the Present Perfect Continuous form of the verb provided. Pay close attention to context, as some sentences might require a negative or interrogative form. Let’s see how well you can capture the ongoing action in your answers!

Question 1

The baby ________ for the last hour. (cry)

Question 2

He ______ French on weekends. (study)

Question 3

________ for a new job recently? (you look)

Question 4

She ________ her room all afternoon. (clean)

Question 5

We ________ about moving to a new house. (think)

Question 6

He ________ his essay for two days now. (write)

Question 7

They ________ with each other for a few weeks. (not speak)

Question 8

How long ________ Spanish? (she learn)

Question 9

The dogs ________ in the mud and now they’re dirty. (play)

Question 10

My friends and I ________ this puzzle since last night. (try to solve)

Question 11

It ________ since we started our hike. (rain)

Question 12

The teacher ________ us about the environmental issues. (teach)

Question 13

You ________ very hard lately; you deserve a break. (work)

Question 14

She ________ out how to fix the problem yet? (figure)

Question 15

The athletes ________ for the upcoming marathon. (train)

Question 16

The musicians ________ for the concert since January. (rehearse)

Question 17

I ________ out who took my book. (not find)

Question 18

________ with the new software? (everyone get familiar)

Question 19

My sister ________ to learn French but it’s been tough. (try)

Question 20

The neighbors ________ a lot of noise at night, haven’t they? (make)

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