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Marold Posted 14 years ago
Grammar

I've been wanting

"I've been wanting that New Theory of Numerology for ages." (Taken from direct speech, book - Harry Potter)

I might have possibly come with this issue I'm still not sure about.

How come the stative verb: wanting is used in a continuous form?

Thanks a lot.
  

Top answer

I know there's a rule that says verbs like "want" shouldn't be used in the continuous tense but "I've been wanting" sounds prefectly fine in that sentence. "I have wanted" would also work but "I've been wanting" seems much more intense.

— Ozzourti

  • I know there's a rule that says verbs like "want" shouldn't be used in the continuous tense but "I've been wanting" sounds prefectly fine in that sentence.
  • "I have wanted" would also work but "I've been wanting" seems much more intense.
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1 Answers
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I know there's a rule that says verbs like "want" shouldn't be used in the continuous tense but "I've been wanting" sounds prefectly fine in that sentence. "I have wanted" would also work but "I've been wanting" seems much more intense.
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