I've been wanting

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I've been wanting" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it when you want to express that you have had a desire to do something for a period of time. Example Sentence: I've been wanting to learn Spanish for years.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"I've been wanting to give you this".

The New Yorker

I've been wanting to for a while.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

It's something I've been wanting to do for ages".

The New Yorker

"I've been wanting to do this since seventh grade".

The New York Times

"I've been wanting to ride across the country," she said.

The New York Times

"I've been wanting for years to go there.

The New York Times

"I've been wanting to write something magical, too".

The Guardian

I've been wanting to translate him for many years".

The Guardian - Books

"I've been wanting this for a long time".

The New York Times - Sports

She says, "I've been wanting to talk to you for some time.

The New Yorker

"I was just having fun," Roberts said, adding, "I've been wanting to do that all year".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "I've been wanting", make sure the context clarifies what it is you've desired. Provide a specific action, object, or experience to complete the thought.

Common error

Avoid using "I've been wanting" without specifying what you've been wanting. The phrase requires a clear object or action to give it meaning. For example, instead of saying "I've been wanting", say "I've been wanting to travel to Japan."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I've been wanting" functions as an introductory phrase to express a long-held desire or intention. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct. It sets the stage for explaining what the speaker has desired or planned to do.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Wiki

9%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "I've been wanting" is a common and grammatically sound way to express a desire or intention held over time. As Ludwig AI points out, it's often followed by a verb to clarify the specific desire. It maintains a generally neutral register, making it suitable for various contexts, particularly in news and media. When using this phrase, remember to clearly state what it is you've been wanting to avoid any ambiguity. Consider alternatives like "I've been meaning to" or "I've desired" for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I've been meaning to

Emphasizes the intention to do something, often implying a delay in taking action.

I've been eager to

Focuses on the enthusiasm and anticipation associated with wanting to do something.

I've desired

Emphasizes the feeling of wanting, replacing the continuous form with a simple past perfect tense.

I've intended to

Similar to 'meaning to', but carries a slightly more formal tone.

I've longed for

Conveys a stronger sense of yearning, suggesting a deep and persistent desire.

I've had a desire for

Replaces 'wanting' with the noun 'desire', offering a more formal tone.

I've had in mind to

Indicates a plan or intention that has been present for some time.

I've yearned to

Expresses a profound and sentimental desire for something.

It's been my ambition to

Highlights the aspirational aspect of wanting, framing it as a personal goal.

I've contemplated

Suggests a more thoughtful and deliberate consideration of wanting to do something.

FAQs

What does "I've been wanting" mean?

The phrase "I've been wanting" indicates a desire or intention that you have held for some time. It expresses a sustained longing or plan for something.

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

You can use "I've been wanting" followed by a verb in the infinitive form to express something you've desired to do. For example, "I've been wanting to learn to play the guitar".

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

You can use alternatives like "I've been meaning to", "I've desired", or "I've longed for" depending on the specific context.

Is "I've been wanting to" grammatically correct?

Yes, "I've been wanting to" is grammatically correct. It uses the present perfect continuous tense to express an action or state that started in the past and continues to the present.