I have been wanting to try this for ages. vs I have wanted to try this for ages.

Both phrases are correct and commonly used in English. They convey the same meaning of having a desire to try something for a long time. The choice between 'have been wanting' and 'have wanted' depends on the speaker's preference for using the present perfect continuous tense or the present perfect tense.

Last updated: April 06, 2024 • 662 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English. It indicates a continuous desire to try something over a long period of time.

"I have been wanting to try this for ages."

This phrase is used to express a continuous desire or wish to try something that has persisted for a long time. It emphasizes the ongoing nature of the wanting.

Examples:

I have been wanting to visit Japan for ages.
She has been wanting to learn how to play the guitar for ages.
They have been wanting to redecorate their house for ages.
He has been wanting to start his own business for ages.
We have been wanting to go on a road trip for ages.

Show examples from the web [+]

I have been wanting to try this for ages.
I have been wanting to say something.
I have been wanting to be santa for years.
Cyrus Xander, I have been wanting to meet you...
I have been wanting to go for a walk with you for a while.
You know, Hedda, I have been wanting to work with Bette since 1944, when I first went to Warner Brothers.
Your father and I have been wanting to talk to you about that.
I'm sorry to interrupt this happy occasion, but I have been wanting to speak to you for such a long time.
I have been wanting to ask you this question for like three years.
I have been wanting to get a look at that moon all day.
I have been wanting to cut a very long time.
I have been wanting to talk to Louise Herrick ever since her interview with the Prime Minister of Canada.
I have been wanting to join one of Ernesto's workshop for many years, driven by the dream of traveling the world and taking pictures.
And, Carl, I have been wanting this for years.
I have been wanting to speak with you for a long time.
For months, I have been wanting to talk about couscous on Labna, one of my favorite foods, and finally here it is.
You did what I have been wanting to do all day.
I have been wanting to do that for a very long time.
I have been wanting to be an Au pair in America for a while now, since I like kids and getting to know different living situations.
I also am new to the site. I have been wanting to try orchids now for some time.
But this simple question was the key element of a semi-serious field experiment I have been wanting to show you for a while now.

Alternatives:

I have wanted to try this for ages.
I have been desiring to try this for ages.
I have been eager to try this for ages.
I have been longing to try this for ages.
I have been yearning to try this for ages.

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English. It indicates a desire to try something that has persisted for a long time.

"I have wanted to try this for ages."

This phrase is used to express a desire or wish to try something that has been present over a long period of time. It focuses on the state of wanting rather than the continuous aspect.

Examples:

I have wanted to travel to Italy for ages.
She has wanted to learn a new language for ages.
They have wanted to adopt a pet for ages.
He has wanted to write a book for ages.
We have wanted to go camping for ages.

Show examples from the web [+]

I have wanted to try this for ages.
For years I have wanted to talk to someone about this but...
Many times over the past four years I have wanted to thank you.
Ted, I have wanted to tell you everything.
Dear Brothers, I have wanted to reflect with you on certain aspects of your pastoral activity.
I have wanted to see this since med school.
I have wanted to be a Trident Cru ever since I was a kid.
Since I was six, I have wanted to live in America.
But, if has already saved it for a long time, I have wanted to do very much.
There are so many things that I have wanted to tell you for so long.
I have wanted to be in this business ever since I was a little girl, and here I am doing it.
And I have wanted to say goodbye for so long, but I just... I just can't do it.
Shawn, I have wanted to go to the Bella Rosa Mansion since I moved to Santa Barbara.
I have wanted to apologize to you for so long about the okiya.
Since I was a little girl, I have wanted to own a cake shop.
Since I can remember, I have wanted to be on the stage.
If I have wanted to take the easy way, there were a lot of chances.
I have wanted to meet you for so long.
And it is for that very reason that I have wanted to send you to the Mother House ever since you were attacked.
"I have wanted to tell you by word of mouth, many times,"and each time my courage has failed me.
Tom Lea and I have wanted to settle once and for all who's best in our noble sport.

Alternatives:

I have been wanting to try this for ages.
I have desired to try this for ages.
I have been eager to try this for ages.
I have been longing to try this for ages.
I have been yearning to try this for ages.

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