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"i have been waiting" vs "i have waited"

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in different contexts. 'I have been waiting' is used to indicate an ongoing action that started in the past and is still continuing, while 'I have waited' is used to indicate a completed action in the past with a focus on the result. The choice between the two depends on whether you want to emphasize the duration of the waiting or the completion of the waiting.

Last Updated: March 20, 2024

i have been waiting

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to indicate an ongoing action that started in the past and is still continuing.

This phrase is used to express that you started waiting in the past and are still waiting at the present moment. It emphasizes the duration of the waiting.

Examples:

  • I have been waiting for the bus for 20 minutes.
  • She has been waiting for her friend to arrive since morning.
  • We have been waiting for the results for weeks.

Alternatives:

  • I have been waiting for a long time.
  • I have been waiting patiently.
  • I have been waiting eagerly.
  • I have been waiting here for hours.
  • I have been waiting in line for a while.

i have waited

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to indicate a completed action in the past with a focus on the result.

This phrase is used to express that you waited for something in the past and the waiting is now over. It emphasizes the completion of the waiting.

Examples:

  • I have waited for this moment for so long.
  • She has waited for him to call all day.
  • We have waited for the rain to stop before going out.

Alternatives:

  • I waited for hours.
  • I waited patiently.
  • I waited eagerly.
  • I waited for a long time.
  • I waited in line for a while.

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