Form

Positive and negative

Question

Use

We use the present perfect continuous to express:

1) an action or activity that began in the past and is still in progress.

• The child is very quiet. He's been watching videos all morning (it is still morning, he's still watching videos).
• I've been playing guitar for five years. (and I am still studying guitar).
• We've been waiting for Mark for two hours (we are still waiting now).
• She's been listening to Radiohead for nearly an hour. She feels sad.

2) a past activity or action with a duration, that has caused present effects. The activity might be finished or might not. The sentence usually gives you the meaning.

• Where have you been? I've been waiting for you for the last half hour.
• They have been studying all day so they are tired.
• A - Why are you out of breath?
  B - I've just been playing football.
• A - You look great! Have you been on holiday?
  B - No, but I've been watching my diet.

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To study the past continuous click here.
To study the present perfect simple click here.
To study the present perfect simple vs the present perfect continuous click here.
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