@hindman203 , while generally agreeing with my colleagues @AmeliesUncle , @DaveF1006 , @Carl , @DavidD66 , I would draw attention to statute section 121 ( Title 26 USC. Subtitle A. Chapter1. Sub-chapter B. Part III. Section121 ) -- the heading itself says " Exclusion of gain from sale of principal residence". Further under section (a) Exclusion > "...........taxpayer's principal residence for periods ...." . Hence my conclusion is that the "USE" requirement is satisfied ONLY when used as principal residence for the period. And as been ref'd above it is total of 2 years or more and uses the term "aggregating " , implying that there is no requirement to be continuous.
pk