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The technical name for the use of the phrase “have been” in English is the present perfect progressive tense.
English-speakers use this for actions that are:
- Continuous
- In the past, but probably happening again soon
- Probably continuing into the future.
A few examples
1.
Emily: "When did you start using this app?" John: "I've been using this app for a month"
John used the app for 1 month, and probably used it recently. John will probably use the app again soon, in the future.
2.
John: "Did you start reading the book yet?" Emily: "Yes, I've been reading the book! I'm already halfway through it!"
Emily started reading the book in the past, over a period of time. And, she will (probably) continue to read the book. Maybe today. Maybe tomorrow. Maybe later this week. But at some time in the future.
3.
John: "Are you going to the party tonight?" Emily: "I don't think so. I haven't been feeling very well."
Emily was sick, (probably) is sick, and (probably) will be sick, or recovering, into the future. For those reasons, she won’t go to the party.
An exception 🛑
In most cases, with this type of speech, it is implied the action will continue. But there are exceptions, where someone will explicitly say that the action is complete. This use of the phrase is used for emphasis, and can often sound 🛑 rude 🛑!
Example:
John: "Have you been working on our project?" Emily: "Yes, I've been working on our project...I already finished our project!"
Emily was working on the project. But, she makes it clear that the action is now complete. The project is already done, because she finished it.
This usage is not the most common, and, again, can often sound rude.