I have always wanted vs I always wanted

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in slightly different contexts. 'I have always wanted' is used to express a desire that has persisted from the past up to the present moment. 'I always wanted' is used to express a desire that existed in the past without specifying if it still applies to the present.

Last updated: March 22, 2024 • 5620 views

I have always wanted

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to express a desire that has persisted from the past up to the present moment.

This phrase is used to talk about a desire that started in the past and continues up to the present. It emphasizes the continuity of the desire over time.

Examples:

I have always wanted to visit Paris.
She has always wanted to learn how to play the piano.

Show examples from the web [+]

I have always wanted to splash about in that lake.
You know, I have always wanted a divot right there.
I have always wanted to visit England.
I have always wanted our relationship to be closer.
I have always wanted to be royalty.
I have always wanted to be one of those guys In those cliche sexist beer commercials.
I have always wanted to learn how to do this.
I have always wanted to protect you ever since dad died.
I have always wanted to get into politics.
I have always wanted to blow this town Thelma and Louise style.
Iwantthesamething that I have always wanted.
I have always wanted to know what goes on in those places.
You know, I have always wanted to see a big science lab.
I have always wanted to show you where I work.
I have always wanted to think I was an alien.
I have always wanted to go to Australia with my family.
I have always wanted to see the Yucatan Peninsula.
I have always wanted to do this!
I have always wanted to color it in black, like yours.
Take me, I have always wanted to work Daniel's desk, and now check me out.

Alternatives:

I have always desired
I have always longed for

I always wanted

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to express a desire that existed in the past without specifying if it still applies to the present.

This phrase is used to talk about a desire that was present in the past, without indicating if it is still relevant in the present. It does not emphasize the continuity of the desire over time.

Examples:

I always wanted to be a pilot when I was a child.
She always wanted to travel the world.

Show examples from the web [+]

I always wanted a sauna. It's so...
I always wanted to be a train driver.
I always wanted to understand him better.
Lorraine and I always wanted a spot in the country.
I always wanted a black friend.
I always wanted a brand-new truck.
I always wanted to fly a plane.
He gave me what I always wanted.
I always wanted to play quarterback.
It was like I always wanted to dance.
You're the granddaughter I always wanted But was afraid to buy online.
I want to thank you for giving me everything I always wanted.
I always wanted to conduct myself differently than he did.
I always wanted to be a dancer.
I always wanted to do that.
There is someone that I always wanted to meet.
Besides, I always wanted to be a digital investigator for the NYPD.
I always wanted a guardian angel.
I'm where I always wanted to be.
I always wanted a big brother.

Alternatives:

I used to want
I wanted

What Our Customers Are Saying

Our customers love us! We have an average rating of 4.79 stars based on 283,125 votes.
Also check out our 2,100+ reviews on TrustPilot (4.9).

"Thank you!"
Sachi Nakama July 2024
"I have literally been through chat, PI, claude, bard and bing and I got conflicting answers! Thank you! Human intelligence reigns!"
Retha July 2024
"Faster than AI"
CYNTHIA December 2023
"This was very helpful and I personally think this site is the best."
Kaden October 2023
"It was extremely thorough and very helpful!"
imperialelisa October 2023
"7 years without any disappointment. Always 100% satisfied. You guys are the best in the world at what you do. Thank you so much :)"
Zubair Alam October 2023
"In a world of text messages and online communication, this is great to have as a live tool. Thank you."
Selena October 2023
"Without textranch I would be stuck!"
宏祐 October 2023
"Accuracy and fast response. Personal comments from editor. Thank you."
Clh September 2023
"I wasn't aware of this service, it's fascinating and more reliable than standard IA tools available on the internet"
Arturo September 2023
"The fact that you can get reliable fast feedback on your texts."
Vinicius Antonio August 2023
"you guys are better than grammarly i'm being honest here"
ordinary July 2023
"OMG! This is really good than any other text correction tools I've used so far. Highly recommend this."
Vehan July 2023
"Very fast and accurate. thank you."
mojtaba July 2023
"I love this app because it's help to writing skills all of students ♥️"
Tarisini July 2023
"This was exactly the mistake I was looking for, the wording dind´t sound right at first. Better than grammarly!"
Ente July 2023
"The immediate help that I received was reassuring and very satisfactory. Thanks."
priiiyanshuu July 2023
"this helps A LOT for my studies."
kathnunez02 June 2023
"Woow!! I would never have expected such precision! Thank you soooo much!!"
Berta June 2023
"Real Time Editor and not AI. Many Thanks."
Priya June 2023
"The very first thing excites me about Textranch is how much your editors care."
sepideh June 2023
"The fact that texts are checked by human editors rather than by AI, etc. I appreciate this!"
Анна June 2023
"Feel welcome, immediate response, high quality feedback"
martin.roy June 2023
"This is the best app that I have ever seen"
Burulai May 2023

I have always wanted vs I always wanted