forms

how long? present perfectWe use a present perfect to say how long a situation or action has continued up to now. Compare:It’s raining again.It’s been raining since Christmas, (NOT It’s raining since Christmas.)Are you learning English?How long have you been learning? (NOT How long are you learning?) >I hear you’re working at Smiths. present perfect […]

non-progressive verbsSome verbs are not used in progressive forms (see progressive 2: non-progressive verbs), even if the meaning is one for which a progressive form ismore suitable. Common examples are be, have and know.John’s been ill all week, (NOT John’s been being ill…)She’s had a cold since Monday, (NOT She’s been having a cold …)I’ve […]

progressive (or ‘continuous’)formshave/has been + -ing I have been thinking about you.Have you been waiting long?I haven’t been studying very well recently.For double letters in words like sitting, stopping, see spelling 7: doubling final consonants.continuing actions and situationsWe use the present perfect progressive to look back over actions and situations which started in the past […]

causes and origins: Who gave you that?We normally use the present perfect when we are thinking about past events together with their present results (see present perfect 1: basic information.).I can’t come to your party because I’ve broken my leg.However, we usually prefer a past tense when we identify the person, thing or circumstances responsible […]