ALL PERFECT CONTINUOUS TENSES in English - present, past & future PERFECT CONTINUOUS TENSES

Summary

In this lesson, Arnel delves into the perfect continuous tenses in English: present perfect continuous, past perfect continuous, and future perfect continuous. The video explains how these tenses emphasize duration and continuity, focusing on ongoing actions that connect to the present, past, or future. Through practical examples, Arnel breaks down the grammatical structure and usage, helping viewers understand when to use each tense. The lesson also compares these tenses with others, providing clarity on their distinct roles and helping learners apply the concepts effectively.

Takeaways

• 😀 There are 12 basic tenses in English, and this lesson focuses specifically on the perfect continuous tenses: present perfect continuous, past perfect continuous, and future perfect continuous.
• 😀 The perfect continuous tenses emphasize the duration of an action that continues up to another point in time.
• 😀 The grammatical structure for the present perfect continuous is 'have/has been + verb-ing'. Example: 'The pie has been baking.'
• 😀 The past perfect continuous uses 'had been + verb-ing'. Example: 'The pie had been baking.' This is used to describe a past action that continued up to another past point.
• 😀 The future perfect continuous is formed with 'will have been + verb-ing'. Example: 'The pie will have been baking.' It indicates an ongoing action in the future.
• 😀 In the present perfect continuous, the action could still be ongoing, or it could have recently stopped. Evidence of the action should be visible, e.g., seeing the pie still in the oven or feeling sweaty after running.
• 😀 A key point when choosing between present perfect and present perfect continuous is whether the action is completed or ongoing, with the perfect continuous emphasizing duration.
• 😀 Stative verbs like 'be' are not used in continuous tenses, but can still be used in present perfect or present perfect continuous, depending on whether the action is ongoing or completed.
• 😀 The past perfect continuous emphasizes an action that was ongoing up to a past point, such as 'The river had been pouring for days before it burst its banks.'
• 😀 The future perfect continuous is often used in written English to describe actions that will continue into the future. Example: 'At the end of July, America’s economy will have been growing for 121 months.'
• 😀 A helpful method for choosing between tenses is Arnel's Grammar Web, which guides decisions based on whether the verb is dynamic or stative, and whether the action is completed or ongoing.

Q & A

What are the three perfect continuous tenses in English?

The three perfect continuous tenses are Present Perfect Continuous, Past Perfect Continuous, and Future Perfect Continuous.

How is the Present Perfect Continuous tense formed?

It is formed using 'have' or 'has' + 'been' + verb-ing. Example: 'The pie has been baking.'

When do we use the Past Perfect Continuous tense?

We use the Past Perfect Continuous to emphasize a past action that continued up to another past point and is often ongoing. Example: 'The pie had been baking for 20 minutes when I checked on it.'

What is the structure of the Future Perfect Continuous tense?

The Future Perfect Continuous is formed using 'will have been' + verb-ing. Example: 'By next month, the solar panels will have been providing energy for a year.'

What is the main focus of the perfect continuous tenses?

The main focus is on duration, showing how long an action has been happening up to a certain point in the past, present, or future.

How do dynamic and stative verbs affect the choice of tense?

Dynamic verbs can be used in continuous tenses to show ongoing actions, while stative verbs are not typically used in continuous tenses. Stative verbs are used to indicate states or experiences, often with perfect tenses.

Can the Present Perfect Continuous refer to actions that have just stopped?

Yes, the Present Perfect Continuous can refer to actions that may have just stopped but still show evidence of recent activity. Example: 'I’ve been running' (evidence: sweaty).

What is the difference between Present Perfect and Present Perfect Continuous?

Present Perfect emphasizes a completed action with present relevance, while Present Perfect Continuous emphasizes the duration of an ongoing or recently finished action. Example: 'The pie has baked' vs. 'The pie has been baking for 20 minutes.'

Why is the Future Perfect Continuous tense considered less common in English?

It is less common because it is usually used to describe actions continuing up to a specific future point, which is more often found in written English rather than spoken English.

How can Arnel's Grammar Web help in choosing the correct perfect continuous tense?

Arnel's Grammar Web helps by guiding the speaker through: determining if the verb is dynamic or stative, choosing between completed or ongoing action, and identifying evidence of the action. This makes it easier to select the appropriate tense.

What role does evidence play in using perfect continuous tenses?

Evidence shows that the action is ongoing or recently finished. For example, smelling the pie indicates that it is still baking, or seeing puddles indicates that it has been raining.

Can verbs like 'live' and 'work' be used in both Present Perfect and Present Perfect Continuous?

Yes, because they describe relatively stable states or long-term actions. The difference is minimal, but Present Perfect Continuous can emphasize duration if desired.