have/has been + verb+ing

like has been studying or have been running

Generally when you use this tense you want to say how long something has been happening, so you will use since or for if you tell the amount of time. If you have forgotten how to use since or for, click here.

Examples:

Mary has been studying English since 1992.
The kids have been running for 15 minutes.
Karen has been singing all morning.
The students have been practicing the play since last month.

Remember, it is an activity that started before and continues through now.

Example: Albert/read/2 hours
Albert has been reading for 2 hours.

1. The cat/play/20 minutes

Check Your Answer The cat has been playing for 20 minutes.

2. We/drive/9:30 this morning

Check Your Answer We have been driving since 9:30 this morning.

3. Lisa/smoke/10 years

Check Your Answer Lisa has been smoking for 10 years.

4. Ben and Alicia/date/last year.

Check Your Answer Ben and Alicia have been dating since last year.

5. I/prepare for the test/3 weeks

Check Your Answer I have been preparing for the test for 3 weeks.