When do I use the Present Perfect Continuous tense? You use this tense when you started an action in the past but you continue to do the action now. For example: I have been studying English for 3 years. (I started 3 years ago, but I continue to study now.) Another example: I have been brushing my teeth since I was a baby. (I started brushing my teeth when I was a baby and continue to brush my teeth now.)