Many definitions of the Present Progressive tense imply that it can only be used for action or state of events which started in the past and is now complete e.g. I have finished my homework.
BUT surely
I have know him for three years
and
I have worked here for three years
are examples of the Present Perfect Tense but the action is ongoing.... so can Present Perfect Tense be used for an action which is NOT YET complete?
Many thanks!
2006-10-04 06:10:08 · 4 answers · asked by Anne 2 in Education & Reference ➔ Words & Wordplay
Yes, quite proper - if the action started in the past and is ongoing. If it was started and completed in the past or if it precedes in its time frame something in the past, use past perfect: "I had worked there three years before I quit."
Present progressive doesn't really enter the question - that would be: "I am doing my homework." That is for a current, ongoing effort. But Present Perfect Progressive could also be used: "I have been doing my homework."
2006-10-04 06:48:54 · answer #1 · answered by dollhaus 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes sometimes it can be used for an action which is not yet complete, like ur eg. I have known him for 3 yrs.
2006-10-04 06:15:33 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes!
2006-10-04 06:18:08 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I THINK ... that it would be okay, if it is something that has begun. if it something that should, would, must be done then it would be future perfect.
2006-10-04 06:16:50 · answer #4 · answered by cass393 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋