Learn English – difference between had been wanting and have been wanting

present-perfect

I meet a friend after years of waiting. What should I tell her:-

  1. I had been wanting to meet you for a really long time

  2. I have been wanting to meet you for a really long time.

and Can I replace the word wanting with longing??

Best Answer

Had been wanting expresses a past event that is no longer occurring in the present, meaning you no longer want to meet the person.

Have been wanting expresses a past event that is still occurring in the present.

You would say:

I have been wanting to meet you for a long time.

You could replace wanting with longing, however, longing is more intense than wanting and may sound a little odd. It's not as common in everyday speech.