I've been saying

USAGE SUMMARY

"I've been saying" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you want to emphasize that you have said something before. For example, "I've been saying for weeks that we need to hire an assistant, but nobody ever listens to me!".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

I know I've been saying that.

The New York Times - Sports

As I've been saying here, thank you.

The New Yorker

I've been saying it for six months".

The New York Times

I've been saying it all summer.

The Guardian - Sport

I've been saying that for years.

The Guardian - Film

Certainly, I've been saying so for years.

The New York Times

"I've been saying that all my life".

The Guardian - Books

I've been saying this for 15 years".

The Guardian

"I don't know; I've been saying that".

The New Yorker

I've been saying this from the start.

The New York Times

"I've been saying that for 10 years.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I've been saying" to reinforce a point you've consistently made, demonstrating conviction or forethought.

Common error

Avoid using "I've been saying" too frequently in a single piece of writing, as it can come across as repetitive or self-aggrandizing. Instead, vary your language with alternatives like "I've maintained" or "I've argued."

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "I've been saying" is to act as a declarative phrase introducing a statement that the speaker has previously articulated. It signals a reiteration of a viewpoint. According to Ludwig, the phrase is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Formal & Business

1%

Science

1%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "I've been saying" is a common and grammatically sound way to emphasize that you've previously articulated a particular point. As confirmed by Ludwig, it serves to underscore consistency and conviction. While it's versatile across various contexts, it appears most frequently in news and media. Be mindful of overuse to avoid sounding repetitive. Consider alternatives like "I've maintained" or "I've argued" to add variety to your expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I've maintained

Focuses on the consistency of the statement over time.

I've always said

Emphasizes that the statement has been a long-held belief.

I've argued

Highlights that the statement is part of a debate or discussion.

My point has been

Shifts the focus to the core message being conveyed.

I've expressed before

Indicates a prior articulation of the idea.

As I've stated previously

Formal way to refer to a prior declaration.

I've been pointing out

Highlights the act of drawing attention to something.

It's been my position

Formally asserts a particular viewpoint.

I've been of the opinion

Expresses a personal conviction.

I've previously mentioned

Simply acknowledges an earlier statement.

FAQs

What does "I've been saying" mean?

It means that the speaker has stated something previously and is reiterating it, often to emphasize its importance or their consistency in holding that view.

How can I use "I've been saying" in a sentence?

You can use it to introduce a claim you have made before. For example: "I've been saying that we need to invest in renewable energy, and now the evidence is clear."

What can I say instead of "I've been saying"?

You can use alternatives like "I've maintained", "I've always said", or "I've argued" depending on the context.

Is there a difference between "I've been saying" and "I said"?

"I said" simply indicates that you made a statement at some point. "I've been saying" implies a repeated or consistent statement over a period, emphasizing its continuous nature.