Use Present Perfect Continuous (have/has been + -ing) for actions that started in the past and are STILL CONTINUING now, or just finished with visible results. It emphasizes DURATION and ONGOING activity.
Quick tip: HAVE/HAS BEEN + -ING = action started in past and STILL continues OR just finished with visible results now. Use with FOR/SINCE for duration.
Form: HAVE/HAS BEEN + verb + -ING
Positive: I/you/we/they have been working. He/she/it has been working. Negative: haven't/hasn't been working. Question: Have/Has ... been working?
I have been studying for 3 hours. (still studying now)
She has been working here since 2020. (still works here)
They haven't been sleeping well. (recent ongoing problem)
How long have you been waiting? (asking about duration)
Use 1: Actions CONTINUING from past to now
Use for actions that started in the past and are STILL HAPPENING now. Focus on duration and continuity.
I have been living in Haffenville for 5 years. (still live there)
She has been learning to cook since January. (still learning)
We have been waiting for an hour. (still waiting)
They have been building that bridge for months. (still building)
Use 2: Recent activity with VISIBLE RESULTS now
Use when an activity just stopped and you can SEE or FEEL the results NOW. Evidence is visible.
You look tired. Have you been working? (can see tiredness)
Your hands are dirty. What have you been doing? (can see dirt)
She has been crying. Her eyes are red. (can see red eyes)
It has been raining. The ground is wet. (can see wetness)
Common mistakes
Not "I am studying for 3 hours." — say "I have been studying for 3 hours.". Use Present Perfect Continuous (NOT Present Continuous) with FOR/SINCE to show how long something has been happening..
Not "How long do you live here?" — say "How long have you been living here?". HOW LONG questions about duration from past to now need Present Perfect Continuous..
Not "She has been finishing her homework." — say "She has finished her homework.". Don't use continuous with FINISH, COMPLETE, START, STOP - these are completion verbs, not ongoing actions..
Practise it
Ask yourself: Is the action STILL CONTINUING now? Can you SEE/FEEL the results? Are you emphasizing HOW LONG? Then use Present Perfect Continuous!