would have liked to be there vs would have liked to have been there

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in slightly different contexts. "Would have liked to be there" is more commonly used in informal speech, while "would have liked to have been there" is more formal and emphasizes the completion of the action.

Last updated: March 20, 2024 • 2527 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used in informal speech.

"would have liked to be there "

This phrase is used to express a desire or regret about not being present at a specific place or event.

Examples:

I would have liked to be there for your birthday party.

Show examples from the web [+]

YUK: I would have liked to have been there [ too much verb! ] Which do we all prefer? I would like to have been there or I would have liked to be there. Same?
Jan 10, 2016 ... The Beatles were off playing somewhere else, though they would have liked to be there. They finally met him on their first trip to America a year ...
... about and why? OR Pick a performance or historical event that you wish you could have witnessed and explain the reasons you would have liked to be there.
Sep 6, 2009 ... "I would have liked to be there. ... seem wrong somehow, and I would look at it for a while, and then change it to, "I would have liked to be there.

Alternatives:

I wish I could have been there.

This phrase is correct and more formal, emphasizing the completion of the action.

"would have liked to have been there "

This phrase is used to express a desire or regret about not having been present at a specific place or event.

Examples:

She would have liked to have been there for the award ceremony.

Show examples from the web [+]

YUK: I would have liked to have been there [ too much verb! ] Which do we all prefer? I would like to have been there or I would have liked to be there. Same?
Apr 7, 2015 ... My favorite is when you tell Blackwall about your findings and he says "Would have liked to have been there" in this pointed tone of voice like ...
Nov 27, 2014 ... When you return to Blackwall, he rubs it in further, with an annoyed, "I would have liked to have been there." I'M SORRY, OKAY? I don't feel like ...
I would have liked to have been there, watching him draw inspiration from life and create some of the art that has most touched me. 0 · Reply ...

Alternatives:

She wishes she had been there.

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would have liked to be there vs would have liked to have been there