What Is “Have Been Doing”?
The structure have/has been + -ing form of a verb is called the present perfect continuous tense. It describes an action that:
- Started in the past,
- Continues up to now (or just stopped),
- And often emphasizes the duration or ongoing nature of the action.
Structure
Affirmative:
- I
have been working. - She
has been studyingall morning.
Negative:
- We
haven’t been waitinglong. - He
hasn’t been feelingwell.
Questions:
Haveyoubeen exercisinglately?Hasitbeen raining?
Examples in Context
- I
have been learningEnglish for five years. - They
have been travelingsince last week. - Why are your clothes wet? — Because I
have been gardening.
Common Mistakes
❌ I have been knowing her for years. ✅ I have known her for years. (Use simple present perfect with stative verbs like know, like, believe.)