The Passive Voice of the Present Perfect Continuous

[Detlef]

Hi there, you all,

I would like to ask you a very simple question:

Present Perfect Continuous Active Voice:

EX.: They've been consulting Alex on several matters for years.

Present Perfect Continuous Passive Voice of this sentence is:

Ex.: Alex has been being consulted on several matters for years (by them).

Is the passive of the Present Perfect Continuous linguistically perfect? If so, do English people really use it?

Detlef.
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[Alvin55555]

Hi Detlef

The passive voice of the PPC is perfect, however, Englishmen won't use it (at least not much or even never, because the construction is too complicated) I hope this is a satisfactory answer. As for your vocabulary items, use a good dictionary and you'll certainly find a good answer.

Alvin55555

[Mxreader]

"Present Perfect Continuous Passive Voice of this sentence is:"

Is there even such a thing?

[Alvin55555]

Yes, there is. Only a person who doesn't know enough about linguistics would only ask that question. Sorry, if I have offended you.

[OxfordBlues]

There is such a thing. The example given above is the correct form. And, although that sentence seems a bit awkward, it is used and is perfectly allowable.

One thing to consider is whether the combination of tense and aspect you're using is really needed to communicate the idea being expressed.

In the example given: Alex has been being consulted on several matters for years, this would be the ideal form because the duration of the activity is expressed (for years) and the activity is completed (perfected) up to the time of the statement.

So this is correct.
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[OxfordBlues]

I would imagine I probably know more about English than your uni professor any day of the week, so certainly if he'd like to have a discussion regarding this I'd be more than happy.

Alvin what's the cause of the attitude? You seem quite negative toward responses for someone who is himself asking quite basic questions.
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There's no such thing as an exception to the rule...

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[Alvin55555]

The forum allows you to ask questions, doesnt it? One's not obliged to answer anyone else's questions, is it?

[Cerberus™]

Oxford: as far as I know there are two schools: one holding that it is unnatural and should never be used, i.e. should be avoided by changing the sentence; the other that it is fine in those (rare) circumstances that require it.

[Mxreader]

[Alan]

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Hi,

If we could leave bruised feelings aside for one moment, I'd like to make a comment about the use of the present perfect continuous in the passive. I would suggest that it is cumbersome and unwieldy and it is better to find another way of expressing that idea. The sentence: Alex has been being consulted on several matters for years is an atrocity!

Alan
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English as a Second Language
You can read my ESL story Present Simple

[Detlef]

Thank you very much Alan!
_________________
The Importance Of Being Earnest - Oscar Wilde (1854-1900) I just love him!