The phrase “I have been doing” is part of the present perfect continuous tense in English. It describes an action that started in the past and continues into the present—or has just recently stopped, often with visible results or relevance now.
Structure
Subject + have/has + been + verb-ing
Example: I have been studying English for three hours.
Common Uses
- To emphasize the duration of an ongoing activity.
- To explain a current result caused by a recent continuous action.
- To express temporary habits or repeated actions lately.
Examples
She has been working all day — that’s why she’s tired.
They have been practicing piano every evening this week.
I have been thinking about your suggestion.
Reflection
“I have been doing” isn’t just grammar—it mirrors how we live. Many of our efforts are continuous: learning, creating, caring. Even when progress feels slow, the act of persisting matters.