Happening up to This Moment
Present Perfect Continuous
The present perfect continuous places the emphasis on the duration of a current activity. It is used to express either when an action in progress began, or the length of an action in progress. The present perfect continuous is never used with stative verbs.
Example:
They've been arguing about the limited liability company for two hours.
I've been typing a note for all bank workers about the provision of uniforms since nine this morning.
I've been working on the appraisal since six this morning. That's why you have it already.
Positive Form:
Subject + have + been + 'ing' form of verb + (object(s)) + since / for + time expression
The globalization of this bank has been going on for three years.
Negative Form:
Subject + have + not + been + 'ing' form of verb + (object(s)) + since / for + time expression
The agent hasn't been acting on behalf of his clients in their best interest.
Question Form:
(Question Word) + have + subject + been + 'ing' form of verb?
How long has the deferred interested been acquiring?
Examples of What Caused Something
The present perfect continuous is often used to express the action that caused a present result.
Example:
We have been working overtime for the past week so your house appraisal is finally complete.
I've been working on the appraisal since six this morning. That's why you have it already.
Present Perfect Contrasted with Present Perfect Continuous
The present perfect and present perfect continuous are both used to express the duration of an activity that begins in the past and continues into the present. Either form is used with general activities, although the use of the present perfect continuous can indicate that an activity is about to change. The present perfect continuous describes the duration of a current activity and tends to be used with more specific action verbs.
Example of Present Perfect:
Our bank has used this warehouse for three years.
We have come to a decision since that time.
Example of Present Perfect Continuous:
European nations have been working towards globalization for at least 5 years.
I've been working on the appraisal since six this morning. That's why you have it already.
When emphasizing the duration of the current action, use the present perfect continuous.
Example:
They've been arguing about the limited liability company for two hours.
They have been calculating the currency convertibility in the meeting.
The present perfect continuous conveys the length of an activity, whereas the present perfect can also be used to relate the quantity, or amount finished up to the present moment in time.
Example:
We have greatly diversified your portfolio.
I've finally identified a cash cow product.
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