I had always wanted to visit vs I have always wanted to visit

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in different contexts. 'I had always wanted to visit' is used when referring to a past desire that was present before another past event. 'I have always wanted to visit' is used to express a desire that started in the past and continues up to the present.

Last updated: March 25, 2024 • 3676 views

I had always wanted to visit

This phrase is correct and commonly used when referring to a past desire that was present before another past event.

This phrase is used to express a desire that existed before a specific point in the past. It indicates that the desire was present at that time.

Examples:

I had always wanted to visit Paris, so when the opportunity arose, I didn't hesitate.
She had always wanted to visit Japan, but she never had the chance until now.

Show examples from the web [+]
Last updated: November 23, 2024

Sep 9, 2024 ... ingridabram on September 9, 2024: "I had always wanted to visit the old Library at Dublin's Trinity College—the 18th century, two-story hall ...
Aug 21, 2017 ... I had always wanted to visit that city [before I actually visited it recently]. Versus: we are in London: I have always wanted to visit this ...
Mar 18, 2020 ... I had always wanted to visit this island after having seen it on Jack Whitehall's "Travels with my Father" and today I finally got to go!
Jan 14, 2021 ... Is the tense in "You know I had always wanted to visit that city." correct in this context? 0 · I HAVE HAD+ FOR then, SINCE(atypical present ...
I had always wanted to visit the Isle of Skye In Scotland and it was a dream of mine to photograph the Old Man of Storr. I was only there for 4 nights...
Mar 31, 2023 ... We also took group trips to areas of Britain that I had always wanted to visit. Scotland has to be one of my favorite countries — everything ...
May 16, 2024 ... ... I had always wanted to visit Portugal one day and another safe city I found for female solo travelers was Athens, Greece. So, I booked cheap ...
I decided to come to Ireland for several reasons, but primarily because it was a country I had always wanted to visit. As an English major, I wanted to ...
I had always wanted to visit Egypt so I was sold when I learned they taught Arabic. I joined the program without hesitation and OWN became my community. It ...
Sep 25, 2024 ... Despite the danger, I had always wanted to visit, to reconnect with the part of my heritage that often felt just out of reach. She returned ...

Alternatives:

I had always wanted to go
I had always wanted to see
I had always wanted to explore
I had always wanted to experience
I had always wanted to travel

I have always wanted to visit

This phrase is correct and commonly used to express a desire that started in the past and continues up to the present.

This phrase is used to convey a desire that began in the past and is still present. It emphasizes the continuity of the desire over time.

Examples:

I have always wanted to visit Italy, and I finally have the chance to go next month.
She has always wanted to visit the Grand Canyon, and she plans to go this summer.

Show examples from the web [+]

I have always wanted to visit England.
We've always wanted to visit this chateau.
Mama Kay's always wanted to visit this place.
I've always wanted to visit Africa.
I've always wanted to visit Ludwig's castles.
I always wanted to visit, see that big arch.
I always wanted to visit the Statue Of Liberty.
And I've always wanted to visit australia.
I always wanted to visit the other side of the room.
I love weddings and I've always wanted to visit Alexandria.
I always wanted to visit London.
I've always wanted to visit New Zealand.
You know, my tongue's always wanted to visit Hawaii.
You know I've always wanted to visit America, to see New York City, Hollywood.
You know that I've always wanted to visit the Jesuit Missions of Chiquitos.
Or we could travel to a country that you've always wanted to visit.
What is someplace that Alex has always wanted to visit?
And I've heard of Berlin. I've always wanted to visit.
I have always wanted to know what goes on in those places.
Plus, I have always wanted to marry a Jewish guy.

Alternatives:

I have always wanted to go
I have always wanted to see
I have always wanted to explore
I have always wanted to experience
I have always wanted to travel

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I had always wanted to visit vs I have always wanted to visit