Michiko’s been working at the bank since 2009.
When did Michiko start work at the bank?
Does Michiko work at the bank now?
Did she work at the bank between 2009 and now?
Will she work for the bank in the future?
It’s nearly dark! Yusuf’s been playing on that computer all day!
Was Yusuf playing on the computer in the morning?
Was Yusuf playing on the computer in the afternoon?
Did Yusuf do any work today?
Has Yusuf finished playing on the computer?
WillYusuf continue playing on the computer after it gets dark?
I’ve worked in the garden all day.
I ’ve been working in the garden all day.
The continuous form, however, sees the action as ongoing, temporary and incomplete at the moment that it is talked about. It might continue into the future and that may be some visible evidence present.
The children have been making a cake (and the kitchen is a mess).
He’s been mending his bike (and he has oil on his hands).
The progressive form may also be used by the speaker to emphasise the duration of the action. Someone saying I've been working in the garden all day may want to emphasise the length of their work. For this reason, the present perfect progressive can be used to complain, to whinge, to criticise etc.
I've been filling in this form all evening.
I've been waiting for over an hour.
I've been chasing round all day buying presents.
I’ve been calling him for weeks but I still haven't made contact.
Let's meet at 8 o'clock
