(一)表示从过去某时开始一直持续到现在的动作，并且还将持续下去。
The Chinese have been making paper for two thousand years.中国有2000年的造纸历史。(动作还将继续下去)
I have been learning English since three years ago.自从三年前以来我一直在学英语。(动作还将继续下）
(二)表示在说话时刻之前刚刚结束的动作。
We have been waiting for you for half an hour.我们已经等你半个钟头了。(动作不再继续下去)
(三)有些现在完成进行时的`句子等同于现在完成时的句子。
They have been living in this city for ten years. They have lived in this city for ten years. 他们在这个城市已经住了10年了。
I have been working here for five years. I have worked here for five years. 我在这里已经工作两年了。
(四)大多数现在完成进行时的句子不等同于现在完成时的句子。
I have been writing a book.(动作还将继续下去)我一直在写一本书。 I have written a book.(动作已经完成) 我已经写了一本书。
They have been building a bridge.他们一直在造一座桥。 They have built a bridge.他们造了一座桥。
(五)表示状态的动词不能用于现在完成进行时。
I have known him for years.我认识他已经好几年了。 * I have been knowing... 这类不能用于现在完成进行时的动词还有：love爱，like喜欢，hate讨厌，等。
