Grammar Concepts #16
This rebuilt lesson keeps the original concept image, tightens the structure, and turns the explanation into a clearer self-study guide.
The words “recently” and “lately” are often used to signal the need for the present perfect progressive tense. This tense indicates that an action started in the past, is continuing in the present, and is likely to continue into the future. It emphasizes the continuous nature of the activity.
The present perfect progressive tense is formed using the following structure: [subject] + have/has + been + [verb] + -ing
Example Sentences:
It is incorrect to specify a specific past period using this tense. For example:
Recently and lately are used to highlight that the activity is continuous without specifying a precise past time period.
Example Sentences:
Introducing a specific past period is not allowed in the present perfect progressive tense.
Correct Sentences:
Incorrect Sentence:
1. Answers below:
— Recently, I have been exercising every morning. — Lately, she has been feeling very happy. — They have been working on a new project since January.
2. Answers below:
By understanding and practicing these examples, you can become more comfortable using the present perfect progressive tense with “recently” and “lately” to indicate continuous actions.
Answer the quiz questions below with responses consistent with the grammar concepts taught on the left.
Recently
, I ____________ (exercise) every morning.
Correct answer
Feedback: The correct answer is “have been exercising” to indicate an action that started in the recent past and continues in the present.
Lately
, she ____________ (feel) very happy.
Correct answer
Feedback: The correct answer is “has been feeling” to show a continuous action that started recently and is still happening.
They ____________ (work) on a new project
since
January.
Correct answer
Feedback: The correct answer is “have been working” because the action started in January and continues.
For the past few days
, it ____________ (rain) a lot.
Correct answer
Feedback: The correct answer is “has been raining” as it indicates a continuous action over the past few days.
Recently
, he ____________ (watch) a lot of movies.
Correct answer
Feedback: The correct answer is “has been watching” to indicate an action that started recently and is still ongoing.
I ____________ (read) this book
since
last week.
Correct answer
Feedback: The correct answer is “have been reading” as the action started last week and continues to the present.
She ____________ (cook) a lot of new recipes
lately
.
Correct answer
Feedback: The correct answer is “has been cooking” indicating a continuous action that started recently.
We ____________ (discuss) this topic
for the past few days
.
Correct answer
Feedback: The correct answer is “have been discussing” as the discussion started in the past few days and continues.
Lately
, he ____________ (think) about moving to another city.
Correct answer
Feedback: The correct answer is “has been thinking” indicating a continuous action that started recently.
Recently
, they ____________ (plan) their summer vacation.
Correct answer
Feedback: The correct answer is “have been planning” to indicate an action that started in the recent past and continues.
For the past few days
, I ____________ (feel) a bit under the weather.
Correct answer
Feedback: The correct answer is “have been feeling” indicating a continuous action over the past few days.
She ____________ (take) online courses
lately
.
Correct answer
Feedback: The correct answer is “has been taking” to show an ongoing action that started recently.
Recently
, I ____________ (try) to eat healthier.
Correct answer
Feedback: The correct answer is “have been trying” as the action started recently and is still continuing.
Lately
, he ____________ (study) a lot for his exams.
Correct answer
Feedback: The correct answer is “has been studying” to indicate a continuous action that started recently.
They ____________ (build) a new house
for the past few months
.
Correct answer
Feedback: The correct answer is “have been building” indicating a continuous action over the past few months.
I ____________ (practice) yoga
recently
.
Correct answer
Feedback: The correct answer is “have been practicing” to show an ongoing action that started recently.
Lately
, she ____________ (write) a lot of articles.
Correct answer
Feedback: The correct answer is “has been writing” to indicate a continuous action that started recently.
Recently
, we ____________ (explore) new places in our city.
Correct answer
Feedback: The correct answer is “have been exploring” as the action started in the recent past and continues.
He ____________ (learn) a new language
for the past few weeks
.
Correct answer
Feedback: The correct answer is “has been learning” indicating a continuous action over the past few weeks.
For the past few days
, she ____________ (try) to fix her computer.
Correct answer
Feedback: The correct answer is “has been trying” to indicate an action that started recently and continues.
I ____________ (improve) my cooking skills
recently
.
Correct answer
Feedback: The correct answer is “have been improving” as the action started recently and is still ongoing.
Lately
, he ____________ (drive) to work instead of taking the bus.
Correct answer
Feedback: The correct answer is “has been driving” to indicate a continuous action that started recently.
They ____________ (visit) many museums
since
they arrived in the city.
Correct answer
Feedback: The correct answer is “have been visiting” indicating a continuous action since their arrival.
She ____________ (train) for a marathon
for the past few months
.
Correct answer
Feedback: The correct answer is “has been training” indicating a continuous action over the past few months.