Present Perfect Continuous Tense

[ckcgordon]

Can we use Present Perfect Continuous (PPC) tense in the following ways:

(1) It's been raining this week. (this week hasn't finished)
(2) I've been working very hard this term. (this term hasn't finished)
(3) He's been watching TV this morning. (this morning hasn't finished)


Most examples on PPC tense I found in grammar books contain "for", "since" or "all" (e.g. It's been raining since 10:00. I've been working very hard for two weeks. He's been watching TV all morning.) But I don't want to use "for", "since" or "all".

My question is: can I use an unfinished time phrase with this tense like (1) to (3) above?

[2006]

Yes, you can. Furthermore, you don't even need a time phrase. You can say things like, 'I've been wondering whether I have to use for, since or all in sentences like this.'

[ckcgordon]

Thank you for your answer and example.

But I'm curious. Why can't we find examples of sentences in present perfect continuous tense with unfinished time phrases in grammar reference books?

Another related question is if we can use present perfect continuous tense with unfinished time phrases, then what is the difference between the following sentences:

- I've drunk 4 cups of coffee this morning/this afternoon/today.
- I've been drinking 4 cups of coffee this morning/this afternoon/today.

[2006]

I don't know the answer to your first question. Maybe they think present perfect tense will be clearer to students if they always include those time phrases.

I wouldn't use either of the 'four cups' sentences. I would say 'I drank 4 cups of coffee........'
The first sentence of 'yours' is not incorrect, but there is no need for perfect tense; simple past tense is all you need. The second sentence is very odd; it sounds like you have been drinking from four separate cups (and you haven't finished yet). Remember that 'PPC' is used for unfinished action.

A good general rule is to always use the simplest tense that can express the desired meaning. If you use perfect tense when it is not needed, you run the risk of saying something you don't mean.

[Teia]

Thank you for your answer and example.

But I'm curious. Why can't we find examples of sentences in present perfect continuous tense with unfinished time phrases in grammar reference books?

Another related question is if we can use present perfect continuous tense with unfinished time phrases, then what is the difference between the following sentences:

- I've drunk 4 cups of coffee this morning/this afternoon/today.-correct
recent finished action

- I've been drinking 4 cups of coffee this morning/afternoon/today.

-not correct .You have already drunk 4 cups of coffee . You can say:
I have been drinking coffee since morning [but not 4 cups of coffee-you have already drunk the coffee ]

[Philly]

I drank 4 cups of coffee this morning.
This suggests that there is no possibility that you will drink a fifth cup this morning.

I have drunk 4 cups of coffee this morning.
This leaves open the possibility that you might drink more coffee this morning (e.g. a 5th cup).

As the others have said, you really cannot use the present perfect continuous in your sentence.

[JCrawf]

But I think it would be correct to say
I've been drinking 4 cups of coffee every morning for the past two weeks.
[and I may continue to drink 4 cups of coffee every morning]

[2006]

Philly
I don't agree with your comments about the two sentences.

JCrawl
Yes, your sentence is correct.

[Philly]

Hi 2006

Would you like to be a bit more specific? I have to admit that I'm a bit mystified as to what you actually disagree with.

[fiona bramble]

I don't know the answer to your first question. Maybe they think present perfect tense will be clearer to students if they always include those time phrases.

I wouldn't use either of the 'four cups' sentences. I would say 'I drank 4 cups of coffee........'
The first sentence of 'yours' is not incorrect, but there is no need for perfect tense; simple past tense is all you need. The second sentence is very odd; it sounds like you have been drinking from four separate cups (and you haven't finished yet). Remember that 'PPC' is used for unfinished action.

A good general rule is to always use the simplest tense that can express the desired meaning. If you use perfect tense when it is not needed, you run the risk of saying something you don't mean.

I agree with your first comment here Newbie. Texts usually take the cleanest, shortest route!
I would , however, say "I've drunk four cups of coffee this morning" when it is still the morning.
Philly has a point with the nuance of possibility but I agree that it is not really relevant.
Just my two bits