Grammar in Animation

Watch this conversation using the present perfect continuous.

Grammar in Conversation

Dave: Anne, is that you?

Anne: Dave, what a surprise! I haven't seen you since the reunion, like four years ago.

Dave: Has it been four years? Man, time flies. So, what have you been doing these days?

Anne: Nothing exciting. Recently I’ve just been working and trying save money for a new car. I've been having lots of trouble with my car, so I've been saving every dollar I can. It's been tough though.

Dave: Yeah, I know how it goes. Keep trying though.

Anne: Thanks, I will. So, what about you? What have you been up to?

Dave: Actually, I've been doing well. I recently got a new job and .... I got engaged. I am getting married this April.

Ann: Wow! I never pictured you as the married type. Congrats to the lucky girl. So, who have you been dating?

Dave: Rosa, you remember her. She went to high school with us.

Ann: I do remember her. Rosa. Wow! So how long you been going out?

Dave: About three years. We've been living together for two.

Ann: Wow! What a surprise. That's great. I"m so happy for you.

Dave: Thanks. Would you like to come to the wedding?

Ann: I'd love to.

Grammar Notes

Point 1: We ask questions in the present perfect continuous when we see a friend for the first time in awhile.

• How have you been doing?
• I've been doing good.
• What have you been doing lately?
• I've been going to school.

Point 2: When something is ongoing over a long time, we use the present perfect continuous.

• My company has been losing money.
• We have been struggling.
• We haven't been doing well.
• We haven't been selling many products.

Point 3: We use the present perfect continuous for recent actions as well.

• Where have you been?
• I've been working in the basement.
• I've been trying to reach you for hours.
• Sorry. I haven't been checking my phone.

Point 4: Notice the difference between past continuous and present perfect continuous.

• Where have you been?
• I was working outside. (I am not now)
• Where have you been?
• I've been working outside. (I am still working)

Grammar in Music

I've been waiting for a girl like you!
By Foreigner