been saying

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "been saying" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in the present perfect continuous tense to indicate that someone has been expressing a thought or opinion over a period of time. Example: "I have been saying for months that we need to change our marketing strategy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

I know I've been saying that.

The New York Times - Sports

They've been saying that for years.

The New York Times

"So this year we've been saying No.

The New York Times

What have they been saying since then?

The New York Times

He's been saying this for years.

The New York Times

What had she been saying?

The New Yorker

No, Jackson had been saying.

The New York Times - Sports

As I've been saying here, thank you.

The New Yorker

"And they've been saying it so long.

The New York Times

I've been saying it for six months".

The New York Times

"He's been saying these things for years.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "been saying" to emphasize the duration or repetition of a statement. This highlights that the speaker has consistently held a particular view or made a specific point over time.

Common error

Avoid using "been saying" when referring to a single, isolated instance of speaking. Instead, use a simple past tense verb like "said" for one-time occurrences.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "been saying" is to act as a present perfect continuous verb phrase, indicating an action that started in the past and continues into the present. Ludwig examples show its use in reporting repeated statements or ongoing expressions of an opinion.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

5%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "been saying" is a grammatically correct and very common verb phrase used to indicate that someone has continuously expressed a thought or opinion over a period of time. Predominantly found in news and media, it maintains a neutral register suitable for professional contexts as well. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness. When writing, remember to use it to highlight repeated statements and avoid it when referring to a single instance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

have maintained

Suggests a consistent and persistent declaration.

have expressed

Emphasizes the communication of feelings or thoughts.

have stated

Focuses on a more formal and direct declaration.

have voiced

Emphasizes the act of speaking or making something known.

have articulated

Highlights the clarity and detail in the expression.

have communicated

Highlights the transmission of information or ideas.

have asserted

Implies a confident and forceful declaration.

have indicated

Focuses on indirectly showing or suggesting something.

have pronounced

Implies a formal or authoritative declaration.

have remarked

Highlights a casual or incidental expression.

FAQs

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

You can use "been saying" to indicate that someone has continuously expressed a thought or opinion over a period, like in "I've "been saying" that for years".

What is an alternative to "been saying"?

Alternatives include "have stated", "have expressed", or "have maintained", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to use "been saying" in formal writing?

Yes, "been saying" is acceptable in formal writing, especially when you want to emphasize the duration or consistency of a statement. However, consider alternatives like "have stated" for a more formal tone.

What's the difference between "said" and "been saying"?

"Said" refers to a single instance of speaking, while "been saying" indicates a continuous or repeated action of speaking over time. For example, "He said he would come" versus "He's "been saying" he would come for weeks".