The use оf the Present Perfect Continuous

We distinguish two uses of the Present Perfect Continuous: the Present Perfect Continuous Inclusive and the Present Perfect Continuous Exclusive.

1. The Present Perfect Continuous Inclusive is used to denote an action which began in the past, has been going on up to the present and is still going on.

The Present Perfect Continuous Inclusive is generally used with since (denoting the starting point of the action), for (denoting the whole period of duration), these two days, etc. (If the conjunction since introduces a clause, the verb in this clause is in the Past Indefinite.)

I have been looking out for your white dress for the last ten minutes.

(Bennett)

Ever since I saw you last I have been thinking, thinking. (Dreiser)

As has been stated above (see § 18, 3) the Present Perfect Inclusive is used to denote an action which began in the past, has been going on up to the present and is still going on with verbs not admitting of the Continuous form, in negative sentences and with certain non-terminative verbs.

With verbs not admitting of the Continuous form the Present Perfect Inclusive is the only tense possible.

N o t e. — In colloquial English the verbs to want and to wish are often to be

found in the Perfect Continuous form, though, as stated above, they are not

used in the Continuous form.

I have been wishing to speak to you ever since you returned. (Collins)

With verbs in the negative form the Present Perfect Continuous Inclusive can be used, but it is far less common than the Present Perfect Inclusive.

With certain non-terminative verbs both the Present Perfect Inclusive and the Present Perfect Continuous Inclusive are used.

We have worked at the problem for several months. (The fact is emphasized.)

We have been working and working at the problem for months and I don’t

think we are likely to solve it. (Locke) (The process is emphasized.)

The Present Perfect Continuous’ Inclusive is rendered in Russian by the present:

I have been teaching at this school for 20 years.

Я преподаю в этой школе 20 лет.

2. The Present Perfect Continuous Exclusive denotes an action which was recently in progress but is no longer going on at the present moment.

You are not well to-day. You look distressed. You have been weeping.

(Dickens)

The Present Perfect Continuous Exclusive is used to express repeated actions in the past.

How have you been spending your money?

I have been buying pictures. (Locke)

I have been getting letters from him.

The Present Perfect Continuous Exclusive is often used with an emotional colouring.

I suppose you have been telling lies again. (Marryat)

The Present Perfect Continuous Exclusive is rendered in Russian by the past imperfective.

Your eyes are red. You have been crying.

У вас покраснели глаза. Вы плакали.