English grammar
Present perfect + for: how long
Say how long you have been doing something.
From the scene I have been in Madrid for two years
In short
For something started in the past and still true, use have been: for two years, since June.
Your turn
Which one goes with for + length of time?
Options: I have been looking for work for a week · I have been in Madrid for two years (not "I am... since two years") · how long have you been...?
Show answer
for + length of time → I have been in Madrid for two years (not "I am... since two years")
How it works
For something that started in the past and is still true now, English uses have been (or have been + -ing), not the present.
Your turn
Pick the word that fits the line.
And I (blank) here eight months. I am the new girl!
Options: am · was · have been
Show answer
And I have been here eight months. I am the new girl!
Y yo llevo ocho meses. ¡Soy la nueva!
Good to know
I have been in Madrid for two years, not "I am in Madrid since two years".
Good to know
Use for + a length of time (for a week) and since + a starting point (since June).
asking how long have you been...?
Elena
Javi, how long have you been in Madrid?
Javi, ¿cuánto tiempo llevas en Madrid?
Your turn
What fills the gap?
Javi, (blank) in Madrid?
Options: I have been in Madrid for two years · I have been looking for work for a week · how long have you been
Show answer
Elena
Javi, how long have you been in Madrid?
Javi, ¿cuánto tiempo llevas en Madrid?
for + length of time I have been in Madrid for two years (not "I am... since two years")
Javi
I have been in Madrid for two years, Doña Elena.
Llevo dos años en Madrid, Doña Elena.
Your turn
What fills the gap?
(blank), Doña Elena.
Options: How long have you been · I have been looking for work for a week · I have been in Madrid for two years
Show answer
Javi
I have been in Madrid for two years, Doña Elena.
Llevo dos años en Madrid, Doña Elena.
still going on I have been looking for work for a week
Nuria
Yes. I have been looking for work for a week.
Sí. Busco trabajo desde hace una semana.
Your turn
What fills the gap?
Yes. (blank).
Options: How long have you been · I have been in Madrid for two years · I have been looking for work for a week
Show answer
Nuria
Yes. I have been looking for work for a week.
Sí. Busco trabajo desde hace una semana.
since + starting point I have worked here since June
Your turn
What goes with I have worked here since June?
Options: for + length of time · since + starting point · asking
Show answer
I have worked here since June → since + starting point
Practise it in the story
Meet this rule inside a short animated scene. Answer as it plays, then say the lines yourself.
Practise free in the appSee all forms
| asking | how long have you been...? |
|---|---|
| for + length of time | I have been in Madrid for two years (not "I am... since two years") |
| still going on | I have been looking for work for a week |
| since + starting point | I have worked here since June |
More lines from the story
- NuriaAnd I have been here eight months. I am the new girl!Y yo llevo ocho meses. ¡Soy la nueva!
- JaviI have worked at the pharmacy for a year.Yo trabajo en la farmacia desde hace un año.
- ElenaOnly two years? I have been here sixty.¿Solo dos años? Yo llevo sesenta.