I have needed vs I have been needing

Both "I have needed" and "I have been needing" are correct, but they are used in different contexts. "I have needed" is used to express a past necessity or requirement that has been fulfilled, while "I have been needing" is used to indicate an ongoing or continuous need up to the present moment.

Last updated: April 05, 2024 • 952 views

I have needed

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to express a past necessity or requirement that has been fulfilled.

This phrase is used to indicate that there was a need for something in the past that has now been satisfied or fulfilled.

Examples:

I have needed a new computer for a long time, and I finally bought one yesterday.
She has needed a vacation for months, and she is finally taking one next week.

Show examples from the web [+]

You are a frank and decent man to deal with. I deeply appreciate the openness you have shown to me when I have needed your advice and assistance.
They have taught me lots of things about their area from an architectural point of view, and they have always been very helpful when I have needed their assistance.
I have needed someone I trust to take me aside and say "Listen Steve, no matter what you think, this person is doing this because they truly believe it for the good of the group".
There have been a lot of times when I have needed to find out [...]
May be exactly what I have needed.
I have needed sermons and discussions of this type.
I think I have needed something like this for a long time.
You have taught me the tools that I have needed to succeed.
You have no idea how much I have needed this...
I have needed us so bad, for so long.
¿Everything? Not all; there is a fact which I have needed a certain time to really be aware of it.
I must admit that we have had little time and that I have needed to concentrate institutionally on activities of prevention and rapid reaction, which must clearly be accompanied by information campaigns.
Since the moment I first heard you sing I have needed you with me to serve me To sing for my music
You have always been accessible, certainly to me, as leader of my group, when I have needed to talk or to see you, your door, or indeed your telephone, has always been accessible to me.

Alternatives:

I needed
I have required
I have wanted
I have desired
I have lacked

I have been needing

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to indicate an ongoing or continuous need up to the present moment.

This phrase is used to express that there has been a need for something that has persisted over a period of time leading up to the present moment.

Examples:

I have been needing to talk to you about something important.
She has been needing more support from her colleagues at work.

Alternatives:

I have been in need of
I have been requiring
I have been wanting
I have been desiring
I have been lacking

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