It’s been raining.
Study this example situation:
Is it raining?
No, but the ground is wet.
It’s been raining. (= It has been …)
have/has been + –ing is the present perfect continuous:
We use the present perfect continuous for an activity that has recently stopped or just stopped:
- Why are you out of breath? Have you been running?
- Paul is very tired. He’s been working hard.
- Why are you so tired? What have you been doing?
- I’ve been talking to Amanda and she agrees with me.
- Where have you been? I’ve been looking for you.
It’s been raining for two hours.
Study this example situation:
It began raining two hours ago and it is still raining.
How long has it been raining? It’s been raining for two hours. (= It has been …)
We use the present perfect continuous in this way, especially with how long, for … and since … . The activity is still
happening (as in this example) or has just stopped.
- How long have you been learning English? (= you’re still learning English)
- Ben is watching TV. He’s been watching TV all day.
- Where have you been? I’ve been looking for you for the last half hour.
- Chris hasn’t been feeling well recently
You can use the present perfect continuous for repeated actions:
- Silvia is a very good tennis player. She’s been playing since she was eight.
- Every morning they meet in the same cafe. They’ve been going there for years.
Compare I am doing and I have been doing:
- Don’t disturb me now. I’m working.
- We need an umbrella. It’s raining.
- Hurry up! We’re waiting.
- I’ve been working hard. Now I’m going to have a break.
- The ground is wet. It’s been raining.
- We’ve been waiting for an hour.
