Marold Posted 14 years ago
Grammar
I have been wanting to
I am reading Harry Potter in english at the moment and I came across this in direct speech:
"I have been wanting to...(tell you, ask you...- those are only the examples of use I've seen)"
I have been told the verb "want" is a stative verb, barely or almost never used in progressive tenses.
=> Additionally, I know it is okay to use "wanting" as gerundium or the present participle.
Therefore, I am wondering whether this instance is just a matter of informal use in direct speech or if there is anything else I actually do not know yet about stative verbs.
Thanks in advance.
"I have been wanting to...(tell you, ask you...- those are only the examples of use I've seen)"
I have been told the verb "want" is a stative verb, barely or almost never used in progressive tenses.
=> Additionally, I know it is okay to use "wanting" as gerundium or the present participle.
Therefore, I am wondering whether this instance is just a matter of informal use in direct speech or if there is anything else I actually do not know yet about stative verbs.
Thanks in advance.
Top answer
The verb want is often in present perfect progressive to show that a desire has existed for some time in the past. It gives a sense of urgency. Once I tell you or ask you, the "want" will be gone.
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The verb want is often in present perfect progressive to show that a desire has existed for some time in the past. It gives a sense of urgency. Once I tell you or ask you, the "want" will be gone.
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