Present perfect continuous
Form
Positive statement:
I have been cooking,
He has been cooking
Negative statement:
I have not been cooking (I haven't been cooking),
He has not been cooking
Question: Have you been cooking?
Neg. question: Have you not been cooking? (Haven't you been cooking?)
Use
1. We use the present perfect continuous for events that began in the past,
are continuing now and will probably continue in the future.
I have been playing tennis since I was 6 years old.
She has been working here for 15 years.
2. We use it for actions that began in the past and have only just finished.
I've been skiing all day.
I'm so tired.
Hello! We've been waiting for you since 5 o'clock.
Present perfect simple vs present perfect continuous
1. In some situations we can use both tenses and there is practically no
difference in meaning. The continuous is more usual in the English
language.
It has rained for a long time. It has been raining for a long time.
2. Verbs which can be used in this way include - learn, live, sleep, rain, sit,
work, wait , stay ...
3. Sometimes the simple form can describe a permanent state, while the
continuous form a temporary activity.
I have lived here for ten years. It is my permanent address. I have been living
here for ten years. And now I am going to move.