In this module, you are going to learn the form, function and use of Present Perfect Continuous (PPC) to express situations which began in the past and continue to the present.
By the end of this topic you will:
Understand the PPC structure to express continuous actions which began in the past and are still going on in the present.
Do you know how to talk about situations that began in the past and continue in the present which has a result in the present? The form is called Perfect Continuous. Read the following question: Have you been wondering how long your true love will take to arrive?
Pixabay. (2016) Love- passion [fotografía]. Tomada de:
https://pixabay.com/en/love-passion-paris-casal-in-love-1671032/
Giving you the chance to reflect on what you truly want and what true love means to you, so try to be patient.
So, you have realised that one of your goals is to find the right person. Regardless of our culture, economic status, education, everybody wants to find love, be loved and of course to be very happy.
The previous example was intended to give you a general idea about this topic. Now, you are going to see its explanation.
We use it:
To talk about an action or situation which began in the past and is still happening.
Have /Has+ been + gerund (ing)
Example:
I have been waiting for an hour.
But we also use the present perfect continuous when the action has been in progress in the recent past, specially, when the actions have results in the present.
Example:
You have been crying (I know it because your eyes are red)
Take a look at the structure:
| ´ve = have | haven´t = have not |
| ´ s = has | Hasn´t = has not |
Activity 1
In this activity, you will practice the Present Perfect Continuous form based on the previous explanation. Now, choose the correct verb form to complete the sentences.
Activity 2
The last explanation was handy to know the correct form.
In the following activity, you will practice the correct form. Order the sentences correctly.
Activity 3
Let’s listen to a love song so we can continue in a romantic mood. This song provides further practice of the Present Perfect Continuous and will help you develop your understanding of the main idea of the song.
This activity also asks you to focus on specific words that you can relate to the form of Present Perfect Continuous.
If you need more practice with the Present Perfect Continuous form, you can go back to the contents section.
Pixabay. (2017). Couple [fotografía]. Tomada de:
https://pixabay.com/en/engagement-couple-romance-bike-1718244
The exercise is divided into two parts, in the first part write the correct option in the appropriate space. In the second, you’ll have to drag the words to the right position.
Pixabay. (2017). Dictionary [gráfico]. Tomada de: https://pixabay.com/en/dictionary-book-english-school-155951
Activity 4
Speaking fluently, accurately and appropriately give you a sense of security and power that you will need to communicate effectively in the target language.
In the following activity, you will have the opportunity to practice the pronunciation and intonation of Present Perfect Continuous.
If you can´t remember the form of Present Perfect Continuous, you can go back to the grammar explanation.
After listening to the song “Waiting for a girl” by Foreigner, what do you think about it?
Record yourself and answer the following questions
-Who is the boy singing to?
-What is he trying to do?
-Do you think he will find a girl and they will stay together?
-If she comes, what does he promise to do?
-Do you know anyone who has been waiting for a girl or boy like the guy in the song?
After you’ve finished recording yourself, check out the next rubric so you can evaluate yourself.
Activity 5
Writing helps you to organise your thoughts and produce your own written work. This time, you will express actions started in the past and still continue in the present.
This activity provides you with the opportunity to consolidate and reinforce the use of Present Perfect Continuous through a series of structured phrases to express your own ideas.
If you can´t remember the form and use of Present Perfect Continuous, you can always recheck the explanation on the topic.
Write a magazine article of about150 words answering the following:
What have you been doing to find a girlfriend or boyfriend?
After you have completed your writing, you can evaluate yourself by using the rubrics.
Activity 6
In the last explanation, you have seen the form and grammar rules of Present Perfect Continuous.
In the following activity, you will understand the main message and details of text using Present Perfect Continuous to express actions that began in the past and continue in the present.
Click on the image to read the article.
Pixabay. (2017). Man calling a dating agency [fotografía]. Tomada de:
https://pixabay.com/en/man-male-person-phone-pay-phone-937288
Based on the previous explanations about the correct form of Present Perfect Continuous, you will evaluate your progress through the different activities on the four skills.
This activity enables you to know what you have learnt on the topic of Present Perfect Continuous.
If you have questions about the grammatical form of Present Perfect Continuous, you can go back to reread the explanation.
Unscramble the different options to the appropriate spaces to complete the sentences. You can know your score at the end of the exercise.
IIn the next activity, you will consolidate your knowledge of the Present Perfect Continuous by drag the best option to complete the sentences. You have two attempts to answer each exercise. You can know your score at the end of the exercise.
Beaumont Digby. (1992). The Heinemann English Grammar. Great Britain: Bath Press
John and Liz Soars. (2012). New Headway Pre-intermediate Student´s book. United Kingdom: Oxford.
Hewings Martin. (1999). Advanced Grammar in Use. United Kingdom: Cambridge University Press
Douglas Brown. (2007). Teaching by Principles. US: Pearson.