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Teacher cue
B1 · English Grammar

Present Perfect
Progressive

I have been studying English for three years.

have/has been verb + -ing
The structure

have / has + been + verb‑ing

Positive

I have been studying all day.
She has been working here since 2020.

Negative

They haven't been sleeping well.
He hasn't been eating properly.

Question

Have you been waiting long?
Has she been crying?

Use 1 — still in progress

Started in the past, still happening

I have been studying English for three years. (still happening)
She has been working here since 2020.
They haven't been sleeping well lately.
Use 2 — recent visible result

A continuous action explains now

Your eyes are red. Have you been crying? (eyes explain it)
I'm exhausted — I have been running.
The ground is wet. It has been raining.
💡 Key contrasts
Present Perfect

I have read three books this month. (completed — how many)

Present Perfect Progressive

I have been reading all afternoon. (ongoing — how long)

for + duration (three years)  |  since + starting point (2020)

⚠ Watch out

Common mistakes

I have been knowing her for years.

I have known her for years. (stative verb)

She has been working here since two years.

She has been working here for two years.

I have ^ working here since January.

I have been working here since January.

How long have you been wait?

How long have you been waiting?

Now it's your turn

Let's
practice.

Say the answer out loud — then tap to check.

Practice 1
tap the blank to reveal

Fill the gap

I(learn)guitar for six months.
You look tired. How long(you / wait)?
She(live)here since January.
It(rain)all morning — the garden is soaked.
They(not / sleep)well lately.
Practice 2
tap a sentence to reveal the error

Spot the mistake

You look exhausted — how longA haveB you been studyC forD this exam?

Cbeen study → been studying

✓ have been + verb-ing

My legs is achingA becauseB I have been runningC everyD morning this week.

AMy legs is aching → My legs are aching

✓ my legs is plural → are

They have been livingA in Madrid sinceB March, butC they have been knowingD the city for years.

Dhave been knowing → have known

✓ know is stative — no progressive

Practice 3
tap to reveal a model answer

Complete the sentence

Your eyes are red. Have you
I'm exhausted because I
She has been studying
We haven't been eating well
Speak & write

Your turn

Use have/has been + verb‑ing with for or since.

What have you been doing a lot of lately?
How long have you been studying English?
You look [tired/happy/stressed]. What have you been doing?
What haven't you been doing that you should be doing?
Recap

Remember this

Structure
have/has + been + verb‑ing
Use
still in progress / recent result
for / since
duration / starting point
Stative verbs
know, love → no progressive

Focus: how long? → progressive. How many? → present perfect simple.

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