how long did we wait? vs how long have we been waiting?

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in different contexts. 'How long did we wait?' is used to ask about the duration of a past action that has already been completed. 'How long have we been waiting?' is used to ask about the duration of an action that started in the past and is still ongoing.

Last updated: March 31, 2024 • 1350 views

how long did we wait?

This phrase is correct and commonly used to ask about the duration of a past action that has already been completed.

This phrase is used to inquire about the duration of a specific past event that has finished. It is typically used when referring to a completed action in the past.

Examples:

How long did we wait for the bus yesterday?
How long did we wait for the movie to start?
How long did we wait for our food at the restaurant?

Show examples from the web [+]

Helen, how long did you wait?
So how long should we wait?
And if not, how long should we wait?
I mean, how long can we wait?
But how long can I wait?
Do you know how long I had to wait?
If you have a pain in your head like a drill, all day, and all night, how long do you wait?
How long did you and Mike wait?
Did the Indian say how long the wait would be?
The idea has some merit, but why must we wait that long?
How could you make me wait this long?
Honestly? Who waits that long?
Is it possible to wait so long? Sure, important things take lots of patience.
Why would your mother wait that long?
Why'd you wait so long?
Why the hell did you wait so long?
Why did you wait so long?
Marco and Giuliana Lantini are Steel Chefs. What was Callahan doing at a restaurant with a year-long wait list?
I apologize Mr. Kang Did you wait long?
Doo Hong, did you wait long?

Alternatives:

How long was the wait?
How much time passed before we were served?
What was the duration of our wait?

how long have we been waiting?

This phrase is correct and commonly used to ask about the duration of an action that started in the past and is still ongoing.

This phrase is used to inquire about the duration of an action that began in the past and is continuing up to the present moment. It is typically used when referring to an ongoing situation.

Examples:

How long have we been waiting for the results?
How long have we been waiting for the meeting to start?
How long have we been waiting for the train?

Show examples from the web [+]

How long have we been waiting?
How long have we been waiting?
How long have you been waiting?
How long have we been waiting for the cooperation necessary to turn Europol into an effective instrument?
How long's she been waiting?
How long have you been waiting?
Do you know how long I've been waiting?
Look... You know how long I've been waiting?
How long have we been waiting here?
Have you been waiting long, sir?
Kim ln-sook, been waiting long?
Sorry, have you been waiting long?
Have you been waiting a long time?
How long have you been waiting to say something?
And how long have you been waiting for Marie?
How long have you been waiting to say that?
How long have you been waiting for this, doctor?
How long have you been waiting to say something?
How long have you been waiting to say that?
How long have you been waiting for it to come out?

Alternatives:

How long has the wait been?
For how much time have we been waiting?
What is the duration of our wait?

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how long did we wait? vs how long have we been waiting?