Which Present Perfect Continuous

 

Present Perfect: Uses

Introduction

The present perfect tense is common in English. It is used for many different functions. This page will explain the most important uses of the present perfect tense.

1. Actions which started in the past and are still continuing

The present perfect is often used for an action that started at some time in the past and is still continuing now. Often, the words for (with a length of time) and since (with a starting time) are used along with the present perfect.

He has lived in Canada for five years.
(He started living in Canada five years ago, and he's still living there now.)

She has worked at the University since 1994.
(She started working at the University in 1994, and she's still working there now.)

2. Actions which happened at some unknown time in the past

Sometimes, it's important to say that something happened (or didn't happen), but it's not important (or not known) when it happened. In this case, we can use the present perfect too. In this case, we often use the words already, yet, ever or never along with the present perfect. These words usually go before the past participle in the sentence.

I've already seen that film. I don't want to see it again.
(It doesn't matter when I saw it.)

Have you ever been to Germany?
(It doesn't matter when you went — I just want to know whether you have been there or not.)

3. Actions which happened in the past, but have an effect in the present

This use is a little more difficult than the other two. In this case, the action happened at some time in the past, but the effect of the action is still important now. It's easiest to understand this use if we compare present perfect sentences with simple past sentences.

Tense	Sentence	Meaning
Present perfect	I've lost my keys.	I don't have the keys. They are still missing.
Simple past	I lost my keys yesterday.	I didn't have them yesterday, but maybe today I found them.
Present perfect	She's broken her arm.	The arm is still injured.
Simple past	She broke her arm.	The arm is probably OK now.

When you are sure that you understand the lesson, you can continue with the exercises.

Present Perfect: "For" or "Since"?

Each of these present perfect sentences contains a time expression. Each time expression is a length of time (which requires FOR) or a starting time (which requires SINCE). Select the correct word for each sentence.

Click on the button beside the correct answer.

1 / 10

1. First Nations people in British Columbia have told stories about the eagle ________ hundreds of years.
   1.   since
   2.   for
2. Cougars have almost disappeared from the Victoria area ________ humans settled here.
   1.   since
   2.   for
3. Maya has been a professional singer ________ 1989.
   1.   since
   2.   for
4. Mary has kept a diary ________ she was ten years old.
   1.   since
   2.   for
5. They've been married ________ twenty-five years.
   1.   since
   2.   for
6. The Canadian two-dollar coin (or toonie) has been in circulation ________ 1996.
   1.   since
   2.   for
7. The beaver has been an emblem of Canada ________ many years.
   1.   since
   2.   for
8. Jo has been a student here ________ March.
   1.   since
   2.   for
9. I haven't been snowboarding ________ last winter.
   1.   since
   2.   for
10. So far, it has rained ________ five hours.
    1.   since
    2.   for

    Which Present Perfect Continuous?

    Each sentence has a Present Perfect Continuous verb. For each sentence, decide which kind of Present Perfect Continuous it is - an action that's been continuing until now, or a recent action for which you can see the present result.

    Click on the button beside the correct answer.
    1 / 10
    1. The national debt has been increasing steadily for the last three years.
       1.   recent action with a present result
       2.   action past until now
    2. Have you been running? You're breathing hard.
       1.   recent action with a present result
       2.   action past until now
    3. They've been working hard all morning.
       1.   recent action with a present result
       2.   action past until now
    4. You're covered in paint. Have you been painting?
       1.   action from past until now
       2.   recent action with a present result
    5. She's been going out with a guy from the ministry.
       1.   recent action with a present result
       2.   action past until now
    6. Let's stop. We've been driving for hours.
       1.   recent action with a present result
       2.   action past until now
    7. She's been studying English for two years.
       1.   recent action with a present result
       2.   action from past until now
    8. I've been saving my money for a new car.
       1.   action past until now
       2.   recent action with a present result
    9. I think he's been drinking - he seems drunk.
       1.   recent action with a present result
       2.   action past until now
    10. The street's wet - I think it's been raining.
        1.   action past until now
        2.   recent action with a present result

    Making Present Perfect Continuous

    Using each verb in brackets, put a Present Perfect Continuous verb into each blank.

    Fill in all the gaps, then press "Check" to check your answers. Use the "Hint" button to get a free letter if an answer is giving you trouble. You can also click on the "[?]" button to get a clue. Note that you will lose points if you ask for hints or clues!
    
    
    1. Is dinner ready yet? I (wait) for a long time and I'm really hungry.
    
    2. I (go) to that dentist for about five years.
    
    3. You look out of breath. (you/exercise)?
    
    4. Why are you upset? (you/argue) with your brother again?
    
    5. I (try) to get through for ten minutes, and I'm still on hold!
    
    6. Why don't you try my favorite airline for your next vacation? I (use) them for years.
    
    7. This is boring. It (rain) all day.
    
    8. Aren't they married yet? They (date) forever.
    
    9. It's time for a break. We (practise) for two hours.
    
    10. The economy (improve) slowly but steadily since the recession.