과거에 시작되어 지금까지 진행되고 있는 행위의 지속을 강조한다. 대개 for, since, all morning, all day, all week과 같은 표현과 함께 쓰인다.
I have been sitting here since seven o’clock. I have been sitting here for two hours. You have been studying for five straight hours. Whdy don’t you take a break? It has been raining all day. It is till raining right now.
시간을 나타내는 표현이 없을 때는 최근까지 진행된 일반적 행위를 나타낸다.
I have been thinking about changing my major. All of the students have been studying hard. Final exams start next week. My back hurts, so I have been sleeping on the floor lately. The bed is too soft.
몇몇 동사(live, work, teach)의 경우 for, since와 함께 쓰일 때 현재완료와 현재완료진행의 차이가 없다.
I have lived here since 1985. I have been living here since 1985.
He has worked at the sme store for ten yesrs. He has been working at the same store for ten years.