Grammar Focus
Present Perfect Continuous (Παρακείμενος Διαρκείας)
We use the Present Perfect Continuous for actions that started in the past and continue now, or actions that have just stopped but still have a result now.
I have been studying for two hours.She has been running.
1. When do we use it?
📘 Theory (Θεωρία)
- Action started in the past and continues now: I have been learning English for three years.
- Action has just stopped and we can see the result: She has been running. She is tired.
- Focus on duration: We have been waiting for 20 minutes.
Examples
- I have been studying since 5 o’clock. → Διαβάζω από τις 5.
- They have been playing football all afternoon. → Παίζουν ποδόσφαιρο όλο το απόγευμα.
- He has been painting. His hands are dirty. → Ζωγράφιζε. Τα χέρια του είναι λερωμένα.
2. Form (Σχηματισμός)
have / has + been + verb-ing
| Type | Structure | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Affirmative (Κατάφαση) | Subject + have/has been + verb-ing | I have been reading. |
| Negative (Άρνηση) | Subject + haven’t/hasn’t been + verb-ing | She hasn’t been sleeping. |
| Question (Ερώτηση) | Have/Has + subject + been + verb-ing? | Have you been studying? |
3. For and Since
| Word | Use | Example |
|---|---|---|
| for | period of time | for two hours, for three days |
| since | starting point | since Monday, since 2020, since 5 o’clock |
- I have been reading for one hour. → Διαβάζω εδώ και μία ώρα.
- She has been dancing since 6 o’clock. → Χορεύει από τις 6.
4. Present Perfect Simple vs Present Perfect Continuous
| Present Perfect Simple | Present Perfect Continuous |
|---|---|
| Focus on result | Focus on action/duration |
| I have cleaned my room. The room is clean. | I have been cleaning my room. I am tired / it took time. |
| She has read the book. | She has been reading for two hours. |
5. Spelling rules for -ing
| Rule | Examples |
|---|---|
| Most verbs: +ing | play → playing, read → reading |
| Verbs ending in -e: drop -e + ing | write → writing, make → making |
| Short vowel + consonant: double consonant | run → running, swim → swimming |
| ie → y + ing | lie → lying |
6. Practice
A. Complete with have/has been + verb-ing.
- I __________ (study) for two hours.
- She __________ (dance) since 5 o’clock.
- They __________ (play) football all afternoon.
- He __________ (not/sleep) well.
B. Choose for or since.
- We have been waiting ___ 20 minutes.
- She has been learning English ___ 2022.
- I have been reading ___ this morning.
- They have been playing ___ two hours.
C. Present Perfect Simple or Continuous?
- I have cleaned / have been cleaning my room. It is clean now.
- She has read / has been reading for three hours.
- They have painted / have been painting the wall. Look, it is blue now.
D. Make your own sentences.
- I have been __________________ for __________________.
- My friend has been __________________ since __________________.
✅ Show answers
Α. Complete with have/has been + verb-ing
- I have been studying for two hours.
- She has been dancing since 5 o’clock.
- They have been playing football all afternoon.
- He hasn’t been sleeping well.
B. Choose for or since
- We have been waiting for 20 minutes.
- She has been learning English since 2022.
- I have been reading since this morning.
- They have been playing for two hours.
C. Present Perfect Simple or Continuous?
- I have cleaned my room. It is clean now.
- She has been reading for three hours.
- They have painted the wall. Look, it is blue now.
D. Make your own sentences
Possible answers:
- I have been studying for one hour.
- My friend has been playing football since 5 o’clock.
🎬 Present Perfect Continuous Videos
Watch the grammar explanation first, then practise with quizzes and comparison videos.