All Exams  >   ACT  >   English for ACT  >   All Questions

All questions of Present Perfect Continuous/Progressive Tense for ACT Exam

Which of the two sentences below is the better or more likely?
  • a)
    Has John told you about the party next week? - No, we were talking about last weekend.
  • b)
    Has John been telling you about the party next week? - No, we were talking about last weekend.
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?

Pankaj Unni answered
Understanding the difference:
The two sentences provided differ in terms of the verb tense used. Sentence (a) uses the simple past tense "Has John told you," while sentence (b) uses the present perfect continuous tense "Has John been telling you."

Explanation:
- Simple past tense: Sentence (a) uses the simple past tense "Has John told you." This suggests a one-time action in the past, indicating that John may have mentioned the party at a specific point in time. However, it does not convey continuity or ongoing discussion about the party.
- Present perfect continuous tense: Sentence (b) uses the present perfect continuous tense "Has John been telling you." This tense implies an action that started in the past and is still ongoing or has just recently stopped. Therefore, this sentence suggests that John has been providing information or updates about the party continuously or repeatedly over a period of time.

Analysis:
- In the context of discussing a future event like a party next week, the present perfect continuous tense in sentence (b) is more appropriate because it conveys the idea that John has been consistently sharing information about the upcoming party. This makes it more likely that the conversation would have centered around the party rather than a past event.
Therefore, sentence (b) "Has John been telling you about the party next week? - No, we were talking about last weekend" is the better and more likely option in this scenario.

Her grandma ___________ (talk) for three hours.
Correct answer is 'has been talking'. Can you explain this answer?

Explanation:

Present Perfect Continuous Tense:
- The sentence "Her grandma has been talking for three hours" uses the present perfect continuous tense.
- This tense is used to indicate an action that started in the past, continued up to the present moment, and may still be ongoing.
- In this case, it means that her grandma started talking in the past, has been talking continuously, and is likely still talking at the time of speaking.

Use of "Has been talking":
- The verb "talk" is in the present perfect continuous form "has been talking" in this sentence.
- The auxiliary verb "has been" indicates that the action of talking started in the past and has continued up to the present moment.
- The word "talking" is the present participle form of the verb "talk," used in continuous tenses.

Duration of the Action:
- The phrase "for three hours" specifies the duration of the action.
- It tells us that her grandma has been talking continuously for the past three hours without stopping.

Overall Meaning:
- Putting it all together, the sentence conveys the idea that her grandma started talking in the past, has been talking continuously for the past three hours, and is likely still talking at the time of speaking.

Which of the two sentences below is the better or more likely?
  • a)
    Has the film started yet?
  • b)
    Has the film been starting yet?
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?

Nilesh Unni answered
Answer:

Introduction:
The two sentences given are as follows:

a) Has the film started yet?
b) Has the film been starting yet?

The correct answer is option 'A', which is "Has the film started yet?". This answer is correct because it follows the standard structure and tense usage in English grammar. Let's break down the explanation into several sections.

1. Tense and Verb Form:
In sentence a), the verb form used is "started", which is the past participle form of the verb "start". This indicates that the action of starting the film has already taken place in the past. The auxiliary verb "has" indicates the present perfect tense.

In sentence b), the verb form used is "been starting", which is a combination of the auxiliary verb "been" and the present participle form of the verb "start". This form is used to indicate an ongoing or continuous action in the past. However, in this context, we are asking about the current status of the film, not the ongoing action of starting it.

2. Word Order and Sentence Structure:
Sentence a) follows the standard word order and sentence structure in English. The question word "Has" is followed by the subject "the film", then the auxiliary verb "started", and finally the adverb "yet" which indicates the present time.

Sentence b) does not follow the correct word order and sentence structure. The use of "been starting" in this sentence suggests a continuous action in the past, but the question is about the current status of the film. Additionally, the placement of "yet" at the end of the sentence is not grammatically correct.

3. Clarity and Understanding:
Sentence a) is clear and easily understood. It asks whether the film has started at the present time.

Sentence b) is less clear and may cause confusion. The use of "been starting" implies a continuous action, but it is not clear what exactly is meant by "starting" in this context. This sentence may be interpreted as asking about a repeated or ongoing action of starting the film.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, sentence a) "Has the film started yet?" is the correct and more likely option. It follows the standard tense usage, word order, and sentence structure in English. It is clear and effectively conveys the intended meaning of asking whether the film has started at the present time.

How long __________ (play) the piano? "Since I was 5."
Correct answer is 'have you been playing'. Can you explain this answer?

"Have you been playing the piano?" is a question that is asking about the duration of an action that began in the past and continues up to the present. The verb "play" is in the present perfect tense, which is used to describe actions or events that began in the past and continue up to the present. The present perfect tense is formed by using the auxiliary verb "have" or "has" followed by the past participle of the main verb. In this case, the past participle of "play" is "played," so the full verb phrase is "have been playing."
The answer to the question "How long have you been playing the piano?" is "Since I was 5." This means that the person has been playing the piano for a duration of time that began when they were 5 years old and continues up to the present.

I hope this helps to clarify the use of the present perfect tense in this context.

A little boy ____________ (stand) at the door since noon.
Correct answer is 'has been standing'. Can you explain this answer?

Mohit Verma answered
Explanation:

The correct answer is "has been standing."

Present Perfect Continuous Tense
The sentence describes an action that started in the past and is still ongoing in the present. The present perfect continuous tense is used to express this kind of action.

Formation of the Present Perfect Continuous Tense
The present perfect continuous tense is formed using the auxiliary verb "has/have" in the present perfect tense, followed by "been" and the present participle ("-ing" form) of the main verb.

Examples:
- I have been waiting for the bus.
- She has been studying all night.

Explanation of the Given Sentence:

The sentence states that a little boy has been standing at the door since noon. Let's break down the sentence to understand it better.

Subject: A little boy
Verb: has been standing
Adverbial Phrase: since noon

The subject of the sentence is "a little boy," and the verb phrase is "has been standing."

Present Perfect Tense:
The use of "has" indicates that the action is being performed by a singular subject (the little boy) in the present perfect tense.

Continuous Aspect:
The use of "been standing" indicates that the action is continuous and ongoing. The present participle form ("-ing" form) of the main verb "stand" is used in conjunction with the auxiliary verb "has been."

Adverbial Phrase:
The phrase "since noon" provides additional information about when the action started. It indicates that the little boy started standing at the door at noon, and he is still standing there at the time of speaking.

Conclusion:
By using the present perfect continuous tense ("has been standing"), the sentence effectively conveys that the little boy started standing at the door at noon and has continued to do so until the present moment.

My patience _______ (come) to an end.
Correct answer is 'has come'. Can you explain this answer?

**Explanation:**

In the given sentence, "My patience _______ (come) to an end," the correct answer is "has come."

**Present Perfect Tense:**
The present perfect tense is used to describe an action that started in the past and has a connection to the present. It is formed by using the auxiliary verb "have" or "has" followed by the past participle of the main verb.

**Subject-Verb Agreement:**
In the given sentence, the subject is "My patience," which is a singular noun. According to subject-verb agreement, a singular subject must be followed by a singular verb. Therefore, we use the singular form of the auxiliary verb "has" instead of "have."

**Use of "Has Come":**
The verb "come" is the past participle form of the verb "come." When we use "has come," it indicates that the action of the patience coming to an end started in the past and has a connection to the present. It implies that the speaker's patience has recently reached its limit or has been exhausted.

**Significance of "To an End":**
The phrase "to an end" is an idiomatic expression that means something is finished, completed, or terminated. In this context, it implies that the speaker's patience has reached its limit and has ended or run out.

**Overall Meaning:**
By using the phrase "has come to an end" in the present perfect tense, the sentence conveys the idea that the speaker's patience, which had been ongoing, has now finished or reached its limit.

Therefore, the correct answer is "My patience has come to an end."

Our teacher __________ (check) more than a dozen exam papers up to now.
Correct answer is 'has checked'. Can you explain this answer?

Ashish Menon answered
Correct Answer : has checked
Explanation : In this sentence, present perfect tense will be used; so Our teacher has checked more than a dozen exam papers up to now.

My dad ________________ (work) in the same company for more than twenty years.
Correct answer is 'has been working'. Can you explain this answer?

Nilesh Unni answered
Explanation:

The correct answer is "has been working" because it indicates the continuous action of working that started in the past and is still ongoing. Here's a detailed explanation:

Present Perfect Continuous Tense:
The present perfect continuous tense is used to describe an action that started in the past, is still happening in the present, and may continue into the future. It is formed using the auxiliary verb "has/have been" + the present participle form of the verb (-ing).

My dad has been working:
In this sentence, "has been working" is the present perfect continuous tense form of the verb "work." Let's break down the sentence and explain each part:

1. My dad: This indicates the subject of the sentence, referring to someone's father.
2. has been working: This is the present perfect continuous tense form of the verb "work." Here's how each part contributes to the meaning:

- has: This is the third-person singular form of the auxiliary verb "have" used with the subject "dad."
- been: This is the past participle form of the auxiliary verb "be." It indicates that the action has been ongoing.
- working: This is the present participle form of the verb "work." It indicates the continuous action of working.

Therefore, "has been working" together indicates that the action of working started in the past, has been ongoing, and is still happening in the present.

Duration of more than twenty years:
The phrase "for more than twenty years" provides additional information about the duration of the action. It specifies that the continuous action of working has been happening for a period of more than twenty years.

Conclusion:
By using the present perfect continuous tense "has been working," we convey that the subject's father started working in the past and has been continuously working in the same company for more than twenty years.

Practice Quiz or MCQ (Multiple Choice Questions) with solutions are available for Practice, which would help you prepare for "Present Perfect Continuous" under English Language Grammar. You can practice these practice quizzes as per your speed and improvise the topic. The same topic is covered under various competitive examinations like - CAT, GMAT, Bank PO, SSC and other competitive examinations.
 
Complete the following sentences using the present perfect continuous tense form of the verbs in brackets.
Mrs. Rose ________________ (teach) English for ten years.
Correct answer is 'has been teaching'. Can you explain this answer?

Explanation:
- Present Perfect Continuous Tense:
- The present perfect continuous tense is used to indicate an action that started in the past and is still continuing in the present.
- Formation:
- Subject + has/have been + present participle (-ing form of the verb)
- Application to the Given Sentence:
- In the given sentence, the subject is 'Mrs. Rose' and the verb is 'teach'.
- The sentence is talking about an action that started in the past (ten years ago) and is still continuing in the present.
- Therefore, the correct form of the verb in the present perfect continuous tense is 'has been teaching'.
- Correct Answer:
- Mrs. Rose has been teaching English for ten years.

Which of the two sentences below is the better or more likely?
  • a)
    Teacher to student: Have you done your homework?
  • b)
    Teacher to student: Have you been doing your homework?
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?

EduRev GMAT answered
There are several factors to consider when determining which sentence is better or more likely in this scenario.
Context:
- Consider the context of the conversation and the specific situation in which the question is being asked.
Grammar:
- Examine the grammar and usage of the two sentences to determine which one is more appropriate.
Meaning:
- Consider the specific meaning and implication of each sentence.
Frequency of usage:
- Determine which sentence is more commonly used in similar situations.
Based on these factors, it can be concluded that sentence A, "Have you done your homework?" is more likely to be the better option. Here's why:
1. Context:
- Sentence A, "Have you done your homework?" is commonly used in a general context where the teacher is simply asking if the student has completed their homework.
- Sentence B, "Have you been doing your homework?" suggests a continuous or ongoing action, which might imply that the teacher is asking if the student has been consistently doing their homework over a period of time.
2. Grammar:
- Both sentences are grammatically correct, but they have different tense forms.
- Sentence A is in the present perfect tense, indicating that the action of completing the homework is relevant to the present moment.
- Sentence B is in the present perfect continuous tense, suggesting that the action of doing homework has been happening continuously or repeatedly.
3. Meaning:
- Sentence A, "Have you done your homework?" focuses on the completion of the homework task.
- Sentence B, "Have you been doing your homework?" suggests a focus on the ongoing process of doing homework.
4. Frequency of usage:
- Sentence A, "Have you done your homework?" is more commonly used in everyday conversations and is considered a standard form of asking about homework completion.
- Sentence B, "Have you been doing your homework?" is less commonly used in this specific context and might be more appropriate when discussing a pattern or behavior over time.
Overall, while both sentences are grammatically correct, sentence A, "Have you done your homework?" is more likely to be the better option in most situations. It is a more common and straightforward way of asking about homework completion.

Which of the two sentences below is the better or more likely?
  • a)
    Has John told you about the party next week? - No, I haven’t seen him today.
  • b)
    Has John been telling you about the party next week? - No, I haven’t seen him today.
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?

EduRev GMAT answered
Analysis:

The two sentences in question are:

A: Has John told you about the party next week? - No, I haven't seen him today.

B: Has John been telling you about the party next week? - No, I haven't seen him today.
Explanation:

Both sentences are grammatically correct and convey a similar meaning. However, there is a subtle difference in the tense used in each sentence. Let's analyze the two options:
A: Has John told you about the party next week?

- This sentence uses the present perfect tense ("Has told") which indicates a completed action in the past with a connection to the present moment.

- The focus is on whether John has informed the person about the party.
B: Has John been telling you about the party next week?

- This sentence uses the present perfect continuous tense ("Has been telling") which indicates a continuous action that started in the past and is still ongoing.

- The focus is on whether John has been continuously informing the person about the party.
Reasoning:

Based on the context provided, it is more likely that option A is the better choice. Here's why:

- The question implies a single instance of John informing about the party.

- The response "No, I haven't seen him today" indicates that the person has not had any recent contact with John.

- This suggests that John has not had the opportunity to inform the person about the party recently.
Conclusion:

Considering the context and the lack of recent contact with John, it is more likely that option A, "Has John told you about the party next week?" is the better or more likely choice.

Which of the two sentences below is the better or more likely?
  • a)
    They have built the new road around the school for more than a year.
  • b)
    They have been building the new road around the school for more than a year.
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?

EduRev GMAT answered
Explanation:
The better and more likely sentence is B: "They have been building the new road around the school for more than a year." Here's why:
1. Present Perfect Continuous Tense: Sentence B uses the present perfect continuous tense, which indicates an action that started in the past, is still ongoing, and may continue into the future. This tense is used to emphasize the duration of the action.
2. Contextual Clues: The phrase "for more than a year" suggests a prolonged duration of the action. Sentence B accurately conveys this information by using the present perfect continuous tense.
3. Logical Progression: Building a road is a continuous process that takes time and effort. It is more likely that the construction of a road would take more than a year rather than being completed within that timeframe.
4. Consistency: Sentence B maintains consistency in verb tense by using the present perfect continuous tense throughout the sentence. This helps to convey a clear and coherent message.
In summary, sentence B is the better and more likely option because it accurately conveys the ongoing and continuous nature of the road construction that has been taking place for more than a year.

Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ) with solutions are available for Practice, which would help you prepare for "Present Perfect Continuous Tense" under English Language Grammar. You can practice these practice quizzes as per your speed and improvise the topic. The same topic is covered under various competitive examinations like - CAT, GMAT, Bank PO, SSC and other competitive examinations.
Which of the two sentences below is the better or more likely?
  • a)
    I’ve been working in the garden all day and now I’m tired.
  • b)
    I’ve worked in the garden all day and now I’m tired.
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?

Akshat Ghosh answered
Exams or assessments. It allows you to test your knowledge and understanding of a particular subject or topic. MCQs typically consist of a question or statement, followed by a set of options or choices. You are required to select the correct answer from the given options. MCQs are a popular assessment method because they are efficient, objective, and can cover a wide range of topics.

Using MCQs for practice can be beneficial in several ways:

1. Assessing your knowledge: MCQs help you gauge your understanding of a subject or topic. They allow you to identify areas where you may need to review or study further.

2. Exam simulation: MCQs provide a simulation of an actual exam environment. By practicing with MCQs, you can familiarize yourself with the format and timing of an exam, helping you feel more confident and prepared on the actual test day.

3. Time management: MCQs often have a time limit, which helps you practice managing your time effectively during an exam. This skill is crucial for answering questions efficiently and maximizing your score.

4. Identifying weak areas: By reviewing the solutions or explanations provided with the MCQs, you can identify your weak areas and focus your study efforts on improving those specific topics or concepts.

5. Reinforcing learning: MCQs provide an opportunity to reinforce what you have learned. The process of selecting the correct answer and reviewing the solutions helps reinforce the knowledge and solidify your understanding.

Overall, practicing MCQs can enhance your exam preparation and improve your chances of performing well on assessments. It is important to ensure that the MCQs you practice are from reputable sources and are relevant to the exam or assessment you are preparing for.

Bryan ____________ (learn) Spanish for three years.
Correct answer is 'has been learning'. Can you explain this answer?

Nilesh Unni answered
Bryan has been learning Spanish for three years.

Explanation:
To understand why the correct answer is "has been learning," we need to look at the context and the verb tense being used.

Present Perfect Continuous Tense:
The phrase "has been learning" is an example of the present perfect continuous tense. This tense is used to describe actions that started in the past, continue in the present, and are likely to continue in the future.

Key Points:
- Present perfect continuous tense describes actions that started in the past, continue in the present, and are likely to continue in the future.
- "Has been learning" is an example of the present perfect continuous tense.

Context:
The sentence in question states that Bryan has been learning Spanish for three years. This means that Bryan started learning Spanish in the past, has been learning it continuously up until now, and is likely to continue learning it in the future.

Explanation:
By using the present perfect continuous tense, we are emphasizing the ongoing nature of Bryan's learning process. It indicates that he has been actively engaged in the process of learning Spanish for the past three years.

Example:
To further illustrate the use of the present perfect continuous tense, consider the following example:

- I have been studying English for five years.

This sentence conveys that the speaker started studying English in the past, has been studying it continuously, and will likely continue studying it in the future. The emphasis is on the ongoing nature of the action.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, the correct answer is "has been learning" because it accurately reflects the ongoing nature of Bryan's Spanish learning process over the past three years.

The baby ___________- (cry) for fifteen minutes.
Correct answer is 'has been crying'. Can you explain this answer?

Ameya Sengupta answered
The baby has been crying for fifteen minutes.

Explanation:

The given sentence is in the present perfect continuous tense. This tense is used to describe an action that started in the past, is still happening in the present, and may continue into the future. In this case, the action is the baby crying.

Present Perfect Continuous Tense:
The present perfect continuous tense is formed by using the present perfect of the verb "to have" (has/have), the past participle of the main verb (been), and the present participle of the main verb (crying).

Reasoning:
The sentence states that the baby has been crying for fifteen minutes. This indicates that the crying started in the past (fifteen minutes ago) and is still happening in the present. The use of "has been crying" suggests that the crying is a continuous action that has been going on for a duration of time.

The present perfect continuous tense is appropriate in this context because it emphasizes the duration of the action. It conveys the idea that the baby has been crying for a continuous period of time and is still crying at the present moment.

Example:
To further illustrate the use of the present perfect continuous tense, consider the following example: "I have been studying for three hours." This sentence implies that the studying started in the past and is still ongoing. It emphasizes the duration of the action, indicating that the person has been studying for a continuous period of three hours.

Therefore, in the given sentence, "The baby has been crying for fifteen minutes," the use of the present perfect continuous tense accurately conveys the ongoing, continuous nature of the baby's crying for the specified duration of time.

________ (you watch) me?
Correct answer is 'Have you been watching'. Can you explain this answer?

Gaurav Roy answered
Explanation:
The correct sentence is 'Have you been watching me?' which is a present perfect continuous tense. The present perfect continuous tense is used to describe an action that started in the past and is still continuing in the present.

Structure:
Subject + have/has + been + present participle (verb + ing) + object

Breakdown:
- Subject: 'you'
- Auxiliary verb: 'have'
- Auxiliary verb 2: 'been'
- Main verb: 'watching'
- Object: 'me'

Meaning:
The sentence is asking if the person has been continuously watching the speaker. It implies that the speaker has noticed the person watching them for some time.

Usage:
The present perfect continuous tense is commonly used to talk about actions that started in the past and continue up to the present moment. It is also used to describe actions that have just stopped or have recently stopped.

Example:
- Have you been studying for the exam?
- She has been living in London for five years.
- They have been playing tennis for two hours.

Which of the two sentences below is the better or more likely?
  • a)
    Someone has taken my dictionary!
  • b)
    Someone has been taking my dictionary!
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?

EduRev GMAT answered

Background:

The question asks for the better or more likely sentence between two options.

Analysis:

A: "Someone has taken my dictionary!"


  • The sentence is in the present perfect tense.

  • It suggests that the action of taking the dictionary occurred at an unspecified time in the past and has a connection to the present.

  • This sentence implies that the dictionary is currently missing.


B: "Someone has been taking my dictionary!"


  • The sentence is in the present perfect continuous tense.

  • It indicates that the action of taking the dictionary started in the past, continued for a period of time, and may still be ongoing.

  • This sentence implies that the dictionary has been taken multiple times.



Based on the information provided, the better or more likely sentence is A: "Someone has taken my dictionary!"


  • Since there is no indication of multiple occurrences of the action, the continuous form in sentence B is not necessary.

  • The simple past tense in sentence A suggests a single instance of the action, which is more likely in this context.


Conclusion:

The sentence "Someone has taken my dictionary!" is the better or more likely option between the two given sentences.

Which of the two sentences below is the better or more likely?
  • a)
    Why are you sweating? - I’ve cut the grass.
  • b)
    Why are you sweating? - I’ve been cutting the grass.
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?

It is difficult to determine which sentence is better or more likely without additional context. Both sentences could be appropriate depending on the situation. The first sentence, "Why are you sweating?" is a direct question asking for the reason behind the person's sweat. The second sentence, "-I," seems like a continuation or response to a previous statement.

Sarah ____________ (wait) for you for a long time; where have you been?
Correct answer is 'has been waiting'. Can you explain this answer?

Lavanya Mishra answered
The question is in present tense, therefore the answer is 'has been waiting'. If the second part of the question was 'where were you?' instead, then the answer would have been 'waited', since the question is in past tense.

Which of the two sentences below is the better or more likely?
  • a)
    I have cooked for the last two hours and now you tell me you’re not hungry!
  • b)
    I have been cooking for the last two hours and now you tell me you’re not hungry!
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?

EduRev GMAT answered
Explanation:
The better or more likely sentence is B: "I have been cooking" for the last two hours and now you tell me you're not hungry!
Here's a detailed explanation:
1. Verb tense: Sentence A uses the simple past tense "I have cooked," which indicates that the cooking is completed. Sentence B uses the present perfect continuous tense "I have been cooking," which suggests an ongoing action that started in the past and is still happening in the present.
2. Duration of the action: Sentence B specifies that the cooking has been happening for the last two hours, indicating a continuous activity over a period of time. Sentence A does not provide this information.
3. Context: Sentence B includes the phrase "and now you tell me you're not hungry," which implies that the speaker is frustrated or annoyed by the fact that they have been cooking for a long time but the other person is not hungry. This emotional context is not present in sentence A.
4. Likelihood: In most cases, when someone says they have been cooking for a certain duration, it is more likely that they are referring to an ongoing activity rather than a completed action. Therefore, sentence B is more likely to be the better choice in this scenario.
Overall, sentence B provides more information about the ongoing nature of the cooking activity and conveys the speaker's frustration, making it the better or more likely sentence in this context.

Chapter doubts & questions for Present Perfect Continuous/Progressive Tense - English for ACT 2025 is part of ACT exam preparation. The chapters have been prepared according to the ACT exam syllabus. The Chapter doubts & questions, notes, tests & MCQs are made for ACT 2025 Exam. Find important definitions, questions, notes, meanings, examples, exercises, MCQs and online tests here.

Chapter doubts & questions of Present Perfect Continuous/Progressive Tense - English for ACT in English & Hindi are available as part of ACT exam. Download more important topics, notes, lectures and mock test series for ACT Exam by signing up for free.

English for ACT

48 videos|53 docs|95 tests

Top Courses ACT

Signup to see your scores go up within 7 days!

Study with 1000+ FREE Docs, Videos & Tests
10M+ students study on EduRev