Transcript Verb Tenses: Present Perfect Continuous

Verb Tenses:
Present Perfect Continuous
Created by Kathryn Reilly
Verb Tense Background
• Verbs change their form to allow writers to
accurately describe events.
• Verbs alert the reader if the action is in the
past, present or future.
• Within these three main time frames, actions
can be further broken down.
The Present Perfect Continuous
• The present perfect continuous connects the past
to the present.
• The present perfect continuous presents an
action that has been going on in the past and has
recently stopped in the present.
• The present perfect continuous also presents an
action that began in the past and is continuing in
the present.
• This verb tense needs two auxiliary verbs.
Creating the Present
Perfect Continuous
• To create the present perfect continuous tense:
Subject + auxiliary verb have + auxiliary verb + -ing verb +
remaining sentence
Maddie has been decorating the tree for hours.
I have been taking photographs over thirty years.
Have we been shopping since 9 a.m.?
The Present Perfect Continuous:
A Recently Stopped Action
• The present perfect continuous can state an
action that was occurring in the past, but has
stopped in the present.
• The present I have been waiting for is here!
– I was waiting for the present in the past, but now I
am no longer waiting.
The Present Perfect Continuous:
A Continuing Action
• The present perfect continuous may reveal an
action that began in the past and continues in
the present.
• Megan has been practicing her Spanish since
yesterday!
– Megan began practicing Spanish in the past and
continues to practice it.
Be Aware…
• …many writers use contractions with the
present perfect continuous tense.
• I’ve been waiting in line for hours. (I have)
• She’s been finishing her homework since 4
p.m.! (She has)
• They’ve been chatting for hours. (They have)