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.
He has been walking on the beach for more than 50 years, since his childhood spent in a 1960s ranch house three doors down from Domagala.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 9, 2026
Fanny Thomas, who is about to turn 80, says she has been walking in the area for her whole life.
From BBC ● Oct. 31, 2025
“Since Monday, everybody has been walking around just a little bit taller, and that’s just a beautiful thing to see and be a part of,” Merchant said.
From Washington Post ● Apr. 15, 2023
This isn’t some old-timer’s tall tale: Lori Ford has been walking two miles down a dirt road, with snow past her knees, just to get to work this month.
From Los Angeles Times ● Mar. 9, 2023
I am concentrating so hard that at first I do not notice someone else who has been walking quietly in the forest.
From "Blood on the River" by Elisa Carbone
