Present Perfect Progressive Conundrum

[Belles1654]

Is it okay to use continuing, remaining, lasting, and staying in the present perfect continuous or progressive form?

It has been continuing since March.

It has been lasting for days.

It has been remaining cold.

It has been staying cold. (I know you could use staying as in I have been staying with friends, but otherwise it is a state correct??).

Are these verbs of state that can't be used in present perfect progressive or am I just using them wrong. Are there others, is there a rule??

Thank you in advance. Belles

[Alan]

Hi,

Verbs that already in their first meaning express a continuous idea already are not usually used in the continuous/progressive form. This would apply to the verbs you have listed (remain/last/stay). 'Continue' can be used in the continuous form to emphasize the idea that something has gone on and on and on.

Alan
_________________
English as a Second Language
You can read my ESL story Saying It Twice