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Common Errors with Present Perfect Continuous

Learn how to use 'been' correctly in the Present Perfect Continuous tense and avoid common mistakes.

What Is the Common Mistake with 'Been'?

'Been' is used in Present Perfect Continuous to emphasize the duration of an action. However, many learners mistakenly omit 'been' or use it incorrectly.

Why Is This Important?

Using 'been' correctly is crucial for forming grammatically accurate Present Perfect Continuous sentences that express ongoing actions or states that started in the past and are still relevant.

How to Use 'Been' in Present Perfect Continuous

'Been' is used after have/has and before the main verb with the -ing form. For example: I have been studying for two hours.

Common Errors with 'Been'

Incorrect: I have studied for two hours.
Correct: I have been studying for two hours.

Key Points

  • Use 'been' with 'have/has' in Present Perfect Continuous
    • I have been working all day.
    • She has been waiting for an hour.
  • Don't omit 'been' in Present Perfect Continuous
    • Incorrect: I have been worked all day.
    • Correct: I have been working all day.
  • 'Been' is not used in Present Perfect Simple
    • Incorrect: I have been read the book.
    • Correct: I have read the book.

Rules for Using 'Been' Correctly

  • Use 'been' after have/has and before the main verb with -ing form

    • I have been working for two hours.
    • She has been studying all morning.
    • We have been traveling for a week.

  • Do not omit 'been' in Present Perfect Continuous

    • Incorrect: I have been worked for two hours.
    • Correct: I have been working for two hours.
    • Incorrect: She has worked here for five years.
    • Correct: She has been working here for five years.

  • Do not use 'been' in Present Perfect Simple

    • Incorrect: I have been read the book.
    • Correct: I have read the book.
    • Incorrect: They have been seen the movie.
    • Correct: They have seen the movie.

  • Special Cases & Exceptions:

    'Been' is only used in Present Perfect Continuous and should not be confused with Present Perfect Simple.

  • In Present Perfect Simple, 'been' is used with 'have/has' only in the phrase 'have/has been'.

    • Correct: I have been to Paris.
    • Incorrect: I have been seen the movie.
ExampleTenseUse
I have been working all day.Present Perfect ContinuousCorrect use of 'been' with Present Perfect Continuous
Incorrect: I have been worked for two hours.Present Perfect ContinuousIncorrect omission of 'been'
She has been waiting for an hour.Present Perfect ContinuousCorrect use of 'been'
Incorrect: I have been read the book.Present Perfect SimpleIncorrect use of 'been' in Present Perfect Simple

Disclaimer: I am not affiliated with the creators of these videos. These are publicly available resources used to provide additional information on the topic.