When we write about an action that is ongoing, we call it a continuous tense or a progressive tense. In order to write in present continuous tense, we use two helping verbs: have been or has been.
I have been working all day.
You have been helping me with my chores.
John has been calling and getting no answer.
I have been going to school since I was very young.
Sometimes we make a contraction with the two helping verbs:
I have been helping becomes I’ve been helping.
Mary has been working becomes Mary’s been working.
If you write the contraction, remember that there are still two helping verbs: have been or has been.
Always use the two helping verbs – have been or has been – when writing in present continuous tense.
▶It’s your turn. Change this present tense sentence to the present progressive (present continuous) tense. I work all day. Did you use the two helping verbs and add -ing to the verb to show present continuous tense? Good for you!