I've been in the city vs I've lived in the city

Both phrases are correct, but they convey slightly different meanings. 'I've been in the city' implies a temporary visit or stay, while 'I've lived in the city' suggests a more permanent or long-term residence. The choice between the two depends on the duration and nature of the experience in the city.

Last updated: March 15, 2024 • 3091 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used to indicate a temporary visit or stay in the city.

"I've been in the city"

This phrase is used to convey that you have visited or stayed in the city for a period of time, without specifying the duration or permanence of the experience.

Examples:

I've been in the city for a few days now.
She said she's been in the city before.

Show examples from the web [+]

First City Gent, Well I've been in the city for over forty years and I think the importance of looking after poor people cannot be understressed. Second City Gent ...
First City Gent: Well I've been in the city for over forty years and I think the importance of looking after poor people cannot be understressed. Second City Gent: ...
Fourth City Gent: Well, I've been in the city for 30 years and I've never once regretted being a nasty, greedy, cold-hearted, avaricious money-grubber... er, ...
I've had MANY photographers do my headshots over the 15 years I've been in the city, and I've never been more comfortable and alive in a session as I was ...

Alternatives:

I've visited the city.
I've spent time in the city.
I've been to the city.
I've stayed in the city.
I've traveled to the city.

This phrase is correct and commonly used to indicate a more permanent or long-term residence in the city.

"I've lived in the city"

This phrase is used to convey that you have resided in the city for a significant period of time, indicating a more permanent or long-term stay.

Examples:

I've lived in the city for ten years.
She said she's lived in the city all her life.

Show examples from the web [+]

I've lived in the city for quite a while but this tour took me on new trails around the lakefront that I've never been on. It was great! The segways were super fun to ...
3 days ago ... I've lived in the city before and hated it. I really enjoy sitting on my front porch and just doing nothing and pondering the great mysteries of life.
I'm Max Lodge and I've lived in the City for going on 11 years. Born in Manhattan, I grew up in Paris, France, returning to New York for college and to pursue my ...
Feb 7, 2015 ... “I've lived in the city 15 years.” “What brought you here in the first place?” “The freedom of the city. You can be openly gay and not have any ...

Alternatives:

I've resided in the city.
I've stayed in the city for a long time.
I've made the city my home.
I've been a resident of the city.
I've settled in the city.

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I've been in the city vs I've lived in the city