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Nina_Nia Posted 14 years ago
Grammar

Present perfect continuous

Hello,

Since present perfect continuous is used to talk about an activity that has finished, but whose results are visible now, can I use it for an action like these two ones;

'I have been living in Los Angeles.'

'I have been living in Los Angeles my whole life.'

Meaning that this is a finished action, as I have relocated to another location and the result of my relocation is obvious.

Thanks
  

Top answer

Hi, It doesn't mean that the action has already finished: I have already been waiting for two hours. (means you are still waiting). I have been staying here for the last five months.

— LouiST

  • Hi, It doesn't mean that the action has already finished: I have already been waiting for two hours.
  • (means you are still waiting).
  • I have been staying here for the last five months.
  • ' means you still do.
  • ' LS
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3 Answers
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Hi,

It doesn't mean that the action has already finished:
I have already been waiting for two hours. (means you are still waiting).
I have been staying here for the last five months. (you are still staying there)

I would say 'I have been living in LA.' means you still do.
And I have often seen 'I have lived in Los Angeles my whole life.'

LS
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But in what cases does present perfect continuous express that the action has finished?

Thanks
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Hi,
Sorry I didn't see this.
Nina_NiaBut in what cases does present perfect continuous express that the action has finished?
For example:
B: is getting out of the train
A: "Ah! Finally! I have been waiting for 20 minutes."
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Actually you have already finished with waiting, but you still use continuous.

LS
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