Present perfect continuous tense
Usage
Duration of an action that started in the past and continues in the present: The present perfect continuous tense is used to describe an action that started in the past and is still ongoing in the present.
I have been studying for this exam for three hours.
Emphasis on the duration of the action: The present perfect continuous tense emphasizes the duration of an action rather than the completion of it.
I have been practicing my guitar every day for the past year.
Connection between the past and the present: The present perfect continuous tense is often used to describe an action that started in the past and is still relevant in the present.
I have been learning Spanish for five years.
Form
The present perfect continuous tense is formed using the present perfect of the auxiliary verb have followed by been and the present participle (-ing form) of the main verb.
Signal words
The present perfect continuous tense is typically used with active and dynamic verbs that describe ongoing actions, such as study, work, run, or swim.
Negative and question forms
To form negative sentences in the present perfect continuous tense, the word not is placed between have and been
I have not been studying for my exam.
To form questions in the present perfect continuous tense, the auxiliary verb have is moved before the subject
Have you been studying for your exam?