have been having

USAGE SUMMARY

"have been having" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is a present perfect progressive verb phrase, and it is used to describe an ongoing action or situation that started in the past and is still continuing in the present. Example: "I have been having trouble sleeping lately."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"They have been having success with that".

The New Yorker

He must have been having a laugh.

The Guardian - Sport

My parents have been having health problems.

The Guardian - Opinion

"I may have been having these small strokes, but they have been having big ones".

The New York Times

Milly and Strafe have been having an affair for years.

The New Yorker

The kids in our neighborhood have been having bake-offs.

The New Yorker

European newspapers have been having a rough time.

The New York Times

Bookshops have been having a particularly tough time.

The Guardian - Money

Dear Richard, Your people have been having a good month.

The Guardian

We have been having a real lean time.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Unhappier happy hours have been had.

The New York Times - Food

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "have been having" to describe ongoing or repeated experiences that started in the past and continue to the present. This emphasizes the duration and continuity of the action.

Common error

Avoid using "have been having" when referring to a single, completed event in the past. Instead, use the past simple tense, such as "had" or "experienced".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "have been having" functions as a present perfect progressive verb phrase. According to Ludwig AI, this construction indicates an ongoing action or situation that began in the past and continues into the present. The examples show it used to describe experiences, problems, and events.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Science

14%

Wiki

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "have been having" is a present perfect progressive verb phrase used to describe ongoing actions or experiences that started in the past and continue to the present. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and wide applicability. It is commonly found in news, media, and scientific contexts, conveying duration and repetition. When using this phrase, ensure it reflects an ongoing event, and consider alternatives like "have experienced" or "have been facing" to vary your language. Avoid using it for single, completed past events. Proper usage ensures clarity and precision in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

have been subject to

Indicates being affected by something continuously.

have experienced

Focuses on the experience itself rather than the continuous process.

have been dealing with

Highlights the act of managing or handling something ongoing.

have undergone

Suggests a more passive role, where something has been imposed or experienced.

have encountered

Focuses on specific instances of meeting or facing something.

have been facing

Emphasizes challenges or difficulties encountered over a period.

have enjoyed

Implies a positive experience that has been ongoing.

have sustained

Suggests enduring or withstanding something over time.

have possessed

Focuses on ownership or holding something over time, which differs from experiencing.

have participated in

Highlights involvement or engagement in an activity over a period.

FAQs

How can I use "have been having" in a sentence?

Use "have been having" to describe experiences or actions that started in the past and continue to the present, like "I "have been having trouble" sleeping lately".

What are some alternatives to "have been having"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "have experienced", "have undergone", or "have been facing".

Is "have been having" grammatically correct?

Yes, "have been having" is grammatically correct as a present perfect progressive verb phrase. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage in English.

When should I use "have been having" versus "had"?

Use "have been having" for ongoing or repeated actions. Use "had" for single, completed actions in the past. For instance, "I "have been having issues" with my computer" versus "I had a good time last night".