Help please

Question

Please check this:I had/have been wanting to get that kit since I saw it in the mall. I finally got it yesterday.I think it should be had as it's in the past already.Thoughts?

Avangi · Accepted Answer

AnonymousI had/have been wanting to get that kit since I saw it in the mall. I finally got it yesterday.

I'm leaning away from "had," because your past tense reference comes before your "wanting (in time)."
You saw it, then you wanted it. (vidi, vici)

I suppose you could say that they occurred simultaneously.
But we typically consider that the past pefect precedes the simple past in time.
Of course I suppose you could consider your second sentence to be the "simple past reference."

Some authorities are insistent that both be in the same sentence, but I'm personally unconvinced.

If you made one sentence of it, there would be no argument.
I finally got it yesterday, after I had been wanting it for two weeks.

Anonymous · Answer

so if they aren't in the same sentence, is it better to make it "have" to show the length of time i've been wanting it?

Avangi · Answer

Let's say it's safer   -   especially if it's going to be judged by an English teacher.  <img class='emoticon' style='Width:19px;Height:19px;' data-delaysrc='https://uat-englishforward-forums-backend.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/Emoticons/1.gif' src='https://uat-englishforward-forums-backend.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/Emoticons/1.gif' alt='Emotion: smile'/>

Help please

Top answer

Get the Weekly English Kit 📬

Related Questions