Grammar: Present perfect continuous and duration form p. 22

Watch the video to revise the rule and then do the exercise. Complete the sentences with for, since or how long.

1 They've been writing emails ________ 2 hours. Haven't they finished?
2 ' ________ have you been here?' ________ 3 p.m.'
3 She's been waiting to get her new citizenship ________ 6 months.
4 We've been trying to get in touch with my distant relatives ________ ages.
5 ________ is it ________ you last texted your cousin?
6 It's two weeks ________ I last heard from my best friend.

Read Maya's diary entry where she describes her personality and choose the correct alternative. Then think about yourself. What are you like? How would you define your identity? Make any changes you need and use it for your oral production.

I'm a/an ________ person and I ________ many friends, ever ________ I was at nursery school. I enjoy spending time with people – not only at traditional and religious celebrations like Diwali, in my case, but also at family reunions, street parties, local festivals, proms and school events. I have so much fun! Considering the big 5 personality ________, I can say extraversion and agreeableness describe me well. On the contrary, neuroticism and conscientiousness do not have anything in common with me. Last time I ________ a problem, I ________ negative emotions like anxiety and anger take control of me. I tend to choose friends who are similar to me and I don't like going out with ________ people. I enjoy new experiences. For example? My friends and I ________ new activities like stand-up paddleboarding, escape rooms and having a day at an indoor trampoline park.

Complete the sentences with the present perfect simple or continuous of the verbs in brackets. Use the contracted form where possible.

1 Researchers ________ (analyse) 200 people for over two years, they're trying to understand personality traits.
2 My brother ________ (run) three marathons, he loves sport.
3 How long ________ (you / stand)? Sit down!
4 Jim's job is temporary, he ________ (work) there for only 8 months.
5 ________ (you / see) anything like this before?
6 The train ________ (stop), it's time to get off.
7 ________ (they / hang out) together all day?
8 I ________ (just / learn) the party is cancelled.

Complete the sentences with the present perfect continuous of the verbs in brackets. Use the contracted form where possible. Be careful: some are stative verbs, which do not take the continuous form.

1 John ________ (study) law all morning.
2 ________ (you / wait) since 5 o' clock?
3 They ________ (have) that dog for nearly 10 years.
4 Sheila ________ (run) for two hours.
5 They ________ (live) in a flat for two months because their new house isn't ready.
6 Why is she tired? ________ (she / tidy)?
7 They ________ (not listen) to music all evening.
8 How long ________ (they / know) the Rajiv family?