we have been doing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we have been doing" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe an ongoing action or activity that started in the past and continues into the present. Example: "We have been doing our best to improve customer service over the last few months."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

We have been doing it all tour.

Independent

We have been doing this all along.

The New York Times

We'll adjust – it's what we have been doing all year.

The New York Times

"We have been doing much better than expected," he said.

The New York Times

Over the last few years we have been doing triathlons.

The New York Times - Sports

We have been doing so at great length on BBC4.

The Guardian - Business

We have been doing this for a quarter century.

The New York Times - Travel

We have been doing a lot of clearing out.

The Guardian

Cooper said: "Is there anything we have been doing different?

The New York Times

"We have been doing this for 10 years".

The New York Times

"I know month-on-month what we have been doing.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To avoid repetition, consider using synonyms like "we've been undertaking" or "we've consistently done" to add variety to your writing while maintaining clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "we have been doing" when referring to a completed action in the past. Instead, use the past simple tense, such as "we did".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we have been doing" functions as a present perfect continuous tense, indicating an action that began in the past and continues to the present. Ludwig's analysis affirms its grammatical correctness and usability. It describes ongoing activities or processes.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "we have been doing" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression in English. As confirmed by Ludwig, it effectively describes actions that started in the past and continue into the present. Predominantly found in news and media contexts, its neutral register makes it suitable for various writing styles. When using this phrase, remember to indicate ongoing efforts clearly and consider using synonyms for variety. Avoid using it when referring to completed past actions. In essence, "we have been doing" is a versatile tool for conveying sustained activity and continuous processes.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we've been carrying out

This is a more formal way of saying that you have been performing a task.

we've continuously worked on

Highlights the uninterrupted effort applied to something.

we've been performing

Focuses on the act of executing or completing something repeatedly.

we've been undertaking

This alternative uses a more formal verb to indicate an ongoing project or task.

we've consistently done

This emphasizes the regularity or persistence of the action.

we've maintained a practice of

Emphasizes the consistency and upkeep of a certain behavior.

we've actively pursued

Focuses on the energetic and purposeful nature of the activity.

we've traditionally done

Implies that the action is part of a long-standing custom or practice.

we've historically engaged in

A more formal way to express past involvement in an activity.

we've dedicated ourselves to

Highlights the commitment and focus given to a specific activity.

FAQs

How can I use "we have been doing" in a sentence?

Use "we have been doing" to describe an action or activity that started in the past and continues into the present. For example, "We have been doing our best to improve customer service."

What are some alternatives to "we have been doing"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "we have been working on", "we have been engaged in", or "we have consistently done".

What is the difference between "we have done" and "we have been doing"?

"We have done" indicates a completed action, while "we have been doing" describes an action that started in the past and is still ongoing.

Is "we've been doing" grammatically correct?

Yes, "we've been doing" is the contracted form of "we have been doing" and is perfectly acceptable in both written and spoken English.