Language is a dynamic and evolving entity, and mastering its intricacies can be a fascinating journey. One essential aspect of English grammar is verb tenses, which allow us to convey the timing of actions and events. Among these tenses, the Past Perfect Continuous tense stands out as a unique and often misunderstood construct. In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the rules and examples of the Past Perfect Continuous tense in English. By the end of this article, you’ll have a solid grasp of how and when to use this tense in your communication.
Past Perfect Continuous Tense
It’s used to describe an action that was accomplished at some point in the past after a period of time. The verb is used after had been.
Affirmative Sentence Formation
- After the subject put helping verb had been.
- Then use the root form of verb (first form of verb) with “ing”.
- Then thirdly, use the “for” and “since”.
- “For” denotes a timing, whereas “since” denotes a continuous activity or occurrence in the past.
Formula:
| Sub + | Helping verb + | Root verb form+ ing + | obj + | Since/For + remaining sentence |
| They | had been | reading | story | since morning |
| We | had been | reading | story | since morning |
| He | had been | reading | story | since morning |
| She | had been | reading | story | since morning |
| You | had been | reading | story | since morning |
| It | had been | reading | story | since morning |
| I | had been | reading | story | since morning |
Examples
- He had been living in this house since childhood.
- We had been opposing him for five years.
- He had been playing hockey for one years.
- She had been writing a letter for three minutes.
- Jan had been singing a song.
Negative Sentence Formation
Between “had” and “been” in a negative phrase, “not” is used.
Formula:
| Sub | had not been | Root verb form+ ing | obj | Since/For + remaining sentence |
| They | had not been | reading | story | since morning |
| We | had not been | reading | story | since morning |
| He | had not been | reading | story | since morning |
| She | had not been | reading | story | since morning |
| You | had not been | reading | story | since morning |
| It | had not been | reading | story | since morning |
| I | had not been | reading | story | since morning |
Examples
- The juggler had not been impressing the people since morning.
- Jan had not been offering prayer since 3 o’ clock.
- He had not been publishing a book for three years.
- The girl had not been pressing the clothes since evening.
- Ali had not been ringing her for an hour.
- He had not been shedding tears for ten minutes?
Interrogative Sentence Formation
In an interrogative statement, had comes before the subject, and other question words like “how,” “where,” and “why” come before had.
Formula:
| Had | Sub + been | Root verb form+ ing | obj | Since/For + remaining sentence |
| Had | they been | reading | story | since morning |
| Had | we been | reading | story | since morning |
| Had | he been | reading | story | since morning |
| Had | she been | reading | story | since morning |
| Had | you been | reading | story | since morning |
| Had | it been | reading | story | since morning |
| Had | i been | reading | story | since morning |
Examples
- Had the boys been preparing for B.A examination since January?
- Had he been abusing him?
- Had they been waiting for you for an hour?
- Had he been publishing a book for three years?
- Had you been watching a play for two days?
- Had Usman been playing marbles since afternoon?
Must Try:
present perfect continuous tense
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