Perfect continuous
have been doing, had been waiting, simple vs continuous.
The rules
- A recent activity with a visible result uses the present perfect continuous.
- Past perfect continuous: an activity lasting up to a moment in the past.
- The simple form "have painted" says the job is done. The continuous focuses on the activity.
- "How long" + an activity that continues to now: present perfect continuous.
- "Know" is a state verb: "I have known her for years", not "have been knowing".
- When you count finished things ("three novels"), use the simple form.
Examples
- Your hands are dirty. Have you been working in the garden?
- She had been waiting for the bus for twenty minutes when it finally came.
- I have painted the kitchen.
- How long have you been learning English?
- know
- They have read three novels so far this year.
Quick check
Pick an answer to see the rule behind it.
1.Your hands are dirty. _____ in the garden?
2.She _____ for the bus for twenty minutes when it finally came.
3.Which sentence focuses on the finished result?
4.How long _____ English?
5.Which verb is NOT usually used in continuous forms?