Have been V+ing vs. Have been V+ed

Question

I never thought I have to ask this question.  Why an expert in English language and writing gave an explanation such as this: Have been makes verb past perfect and implies completed actions.  So have been living indicates that you probably don't live there anymore.  Have been painting probably mean the job is complete.  Have lived and painted are past progressive to indicate the action is still in progress.  Please help if this is correct.

RandomGuy · Accepted Answer

I am no expert, yet I know that explanation is wrong. Have been forms the present perfect progressive tense, which can be used for completed actions and actions in progress. Have forms the present perfect tense.

I have been living in this cave for three years. (I still live here.)
I have been painting since the crack o' dawn. (I am still painting.)

vs.

I have been to Rome. (I am not in Rome anymore.)
I have been a fool. (I was behaving like a fool, but not now.)

Mister Micawber · Answer

chiachen an expert in English language and writing

Why do you think that, chiachen? Can you post a link if s/he's on the internet?

AlpheccaStars · Answer

The progressive tenses use be + V-ing.

The present perfect progressive (have + been + v-ing) means that the action is of present interest. It does not mean that the action is complete. If fact, the opposite is true:

Mary has been singing in the choir since she was 15. (She is still in the choir.)
Hilary Clinton has been traveling more than ever. (She is still traveling.)
My dog has been barking for the last hour. (He is still barking.)
The baby has been sleeping for two hours. (She is still sleeping.)

The present perfect tense (have + V-ed) can also indicate an action that is completed or incomplete.
The house has been painted. (It is finished. "been" indicates passive voice)
My boss has worked for the company longer than I have. (We still work for the same company.)
Mrs. Jones has taught first grade ever since I can remember. (She still teaches first grade.)
The baby has eaten her breakfast. (She finished.)

Chiachen · Answer

Just as I discovered this forum here, I also newly found AllExperts, one other very helpful website, and one top favored expert who has over 36 years teaching experience, provided this answer in the general writing and grammar help section.  I copied his answer in its entirety.

Mister Micawber · Answer

chiachen one top favored expert who has over 36 years teaching experience,

Ah, a newbie.

I copied his answer in its entirety. And can you give us a link? I don't see any category for English or English Grammar on their homepage.

Amir,

Have been makes a verb past perfect and implies completed action. So have been living indicates that you probably don't live there anymore.

Have been painting probably means the job is complete. Have lived and have painted are past progressive to indicate the action is still in progress.

I hope that helps,

Jerry Leone

You certainly copied it accurately, Amir. It is hard to believe that a long-time teacher could have such a brain spasm. Too much wine, perhaps.

Have been V+ing vs. Have been V+ed

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