have been training

USAGE SUMMARY

'have been training' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you want to refer to activities that you have been doing over a period of time. For example, "I have been training hard for my upcoming race."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

I know guys have been training.

The New York Times - Sports

"We have been training very hard.

The Guardian - Sport

So with the extra time, soldiers have been training rigorously.

The New York Times

By 7am, some people have been training for two hours.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Palestinian troops have been training in Jordan under American sponsorship.

The New York Times

We have been training for something like this.

The Guardian

And most who do succeed have been training for decades.

The New York Times

Others have been training with various teams for years.

The New York Times

I have been training hard and "London" is my mantra.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

I have been training many, many hours for the Olympics.

Independent

"He could have been training with al Qaeda, too.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "have been training", specify what you have been training for to give it more context (e.g., "I have been training for the marathon.").

Common error

Avoid using "have been training" when a simple past tense like "trained" is more appropriate if the training is completely finished and has no relevance to the present.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "have been training" functions as a verb phrase in the present perfect progressive tense. It indicates an action that started in the past, continues into the present, and may continue into the future. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "have been training" is a grammatically sound and widely used verb phrase in the present perfect progressive tense. According to Ludwig, it describes activities started in the past and continuing to the present, often implying preparation or ongoing skill development. Predominantly found in news and media, its register is considered neutral, making it suitable for diverse contexts. Remember to specify the purpose of the training for clarity and to avoid using it when a simple past tense would be more appropriate. Consider alternatives like "have practiced" or "have prepared" depending on the desired nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

have been preparing

Emphasizes the ongoing process of getting ready, similar to training.

have practiced

Replaces "training" with "practiced", emphasizing repetition and refinement of skills.

have prepared

Focuses on the act of getting ready for something, similar to training but broader.

have worked on

Highlights the effort and labor involved in developing a skill or ability.

have developed

Focuses on the outcome of training, emphasizing the growth of skills.

have been coached

Emphasizes guidance and instruction received from a coach or mentor.

have honed

Implies a sharpening or refining of existing skills through dedicated practice.

have built up

Indicates a gradual increase in strength, skill, or knowledge through training.

have studied

Suggests a more academic or theoretical approach to learning and skill development.

have undergone instruction

Formal phrasing to indicate having taken part in a training program or course.

FAQs

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

You can use "have been training" to describe an ongoing process of skill development, such as "I "have been training" for the marathon for six months".

What is the difference between "have been training" and "trained"?

"Have been training" indicates an ongoing process, while "trained" suggests that the training is completed. For example, "I "have been training"" implies you are still actively training, whereas "I trained" implies the training period is over.

What are some alternatives to saying "have been training"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "have practiced", "have prepared", or "have been preparing".

Is "have been training" formal or informal?

"Have been training" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. The formality often depends on the surrounding language and the specific context of use.