Present Perfect Continuous Tense (Present Perfect Progressive Tense

The present perfect continuous is used with actions that began in the past and are still continuing. The formula for present perfect continuous is present tense of have + been + present participle (root + ‑ing). You’ll most often see this verb tense used with the words for and since.

What have you been doing since I last saw you?

We’ve been moving house. There are still boxes to unpack.

They’ve been watching TV for three hours now.

The car has been sitting in the garage, unused, since last month.

Has Mary been going to all her classes?

Remember not to use the present perfect continuous tense with non-action verbs like be, seem, and know. These verbs should use the present perfect.

Mary has been seeming tired.

Mary has seemed tired.