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HSS Posted 20 years ago
Grammar

Have Wanted, Have Been Wanting

This topic may have been discussed here a lot, but I just wanted to be clear on it. Basically both [1] and [2] express the idea of "I" have been --- continuously --- desirous of getting the license. However, what, if subtle, difference would you feel between them? To me [2] is more vivid. I feel more about the speaker studying more for the written exam. Or, he may not have been studying yet, but must have dreamt of getting it.

[1] I have wanted to get the permit to operate the huge boat.

[2] I have been wanting to get the permit to operate the huge boat.

Hiro

Sendai, Japan
  

Top answer

Present progessive focuses on temproary situation and present perfect focus on long situations. I think Your first sentence could be that you want the permit for a long time. You second sentence could be that you want the permit recenty.

— Welkins2139

  • Present progessive focuses on temproary situation and present perfect focus on long situations.
  • I think Your first sentence could be that you want the permit for a long time.
  • You second sentence could be that you want the permit recenty.
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3 Answers
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Present progessive focuses on temproary situation and present perfect focus on long situations.

I think

Your first sentence could be that you want the permit for a long time.

You second sentence could be that you want the permit recenty.
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The real mystery to me is that a non-progressive verb like want can be used in any progressive tense at all. And yet, there it is, as idiomatic as can be. I have been wanting ... (for weeks / months / years ). The second sentence is more common than the first. Both, but especially the first, seem to beg for a for + TIME phrase to complete the idea. The second sentence s
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"I have wanted" without a for + time phrase could only mean "I" just once felt the desire. And I agree with you CJ that the second suggests the desire was more repeatedly felt, perhaps one after another.

Hiro
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