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 • 7496 views

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.

Show examples from the web [+]

I have waited 16 years for this board seat to open up.
The fulfilment of that for which I have waited since eternity began.
I have waited a thousand years for a worthy opponent.
I have waited for this day.
I have waited eight years for this.
I have waited six years... to ask this question.
I have waited 5 years for this.
I have waited 18 years for my graduation picture.
I have waited patiently with this trap of mine.
I have waited a lifetime for this.
I have waited, made sacrifices, all based on our agreement.
I have waited so long for you to admit your true Kryptonian heritage.
I have waited long time for this.
I have waited a very long time for this.
I have waited a very long time for this.
I have waited a long time for this reunion, agent Raimo.
I have waited for this my whole life.
I have waited for this day.
I have waited so long to meet you.
I have waited so long for this moment.

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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i have been waiting vs i have waited