Understanding and Correcting Your Sentence: 'I Have Wanted to Go There for a Long Time'

Is the sentence "Yes, the sentence 'I have wanted to go there for a long time' is a grammatically correct sentence and it is a logical, natural, and properly constructed English sentence."

Yes, it is correct.

While a sentence like "I have wanted to go there for a long time" is grammatically correct, its accuracy and appropriateness can sometimes be questioned based on the context and tone. Many native English speakers might prefer to use a slightly different phrasing due to familiarity and stylistic choices. For instance, most people would say "I've always wanted to go there" rather than "I have."

Only in specific contexts, such as those involving futuristic series like Star Trek, might one encounter the phrase "I have." Star Trek, for instance, often uses a formal and precise way of speaking. This sentence perfectly captures a sense of delayed gratification or a long-standing desire, as it places the action event within a longer timeframe.

Understanding the Present Perfect Tense

Grammatically speaking, 'have wanted' is present perfect, which indicates that an action is completed in the past but has relevance to the present moment. For example, saying "I have wanted to go there for a long time" implies that the desire to visit that place started in the past and still holds true in the present. This is a valid use of the present perfect tense, as it not only indicates a completed action but also conveys a connection to the current state or situation.

However, the use of present perfect in this context can sometimes sound somewhat formal or outdated. For example, it would be accurate to say: "I have been wanting to go there since long," which explicitly conveys the continuous nature of the desire over an extended period.

When to Use Which Sentence?

"I have wanted to go there for a long time" and "I've always wanted to go there" can both be correct, but they convey slightly different nuances.

"I have wanted to go there for a long time":

Stresses a completed action that has relevance to the present. Implying a strong, enduring desire that hasn't wavered.

"I've always wanted to go there":

Stresses the enduring nature of the desire with no reference to a completed action. Sounds slightly more colloquial and is better understood in everyday conversation.

Conclusion

Whether you choose to use "I have wanted to go there for a long time" or "I've always wanted to go there" depends on the desired tone and context of your sentence. Both are grammatically correct but may have slightly different implications in how they are perceived by the listener.

For a more natural flow in conversation, "I've always wanted to go there" is often the preferred choice.

Remember, language is a dynamic and ever-evolving tool. While grammatical correctness is important, so is the practical and contextual use of language to convey your message effectively.