Used to describe an action that began in the past, has continued continuously, and is still in progress.
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The large bronze work, called 'Struggles and Triumphs', has been loaned to Longleat Safari Park by the rock musician - who has been painting and drawing since he was 12 years old.
From BBC ● Apr. 5, 2026
Jessie Homer French has been painting folk-inflected scenes of environmental catastrophe for decades, but her consistent message and style remain bracingly fresh in the presentation by Various Small Fires.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Feb. 27, 2026
Mary England Proctor, a self-described “78-year-old married grandmother in Nashville, Tenn.” who has been painting since she was 6, has completed seven portraits for Homes in Memoriam.
From Los Angeles Times ● Feb. 27, 2025
Instead, euro zone rate-setters have focused on actual economic data that has been painting a mixed picture.
From Reuters ● Jun. 14, 2023
“So are you the one who has been painting with Rei's dad? Man, you're like the luckiest person alive,” a stocky boy with red curls says, his face swollen with awe.
From "Starfish" by Akemi Dawn Bowman
