[Grammar] A correct sentence

[sunset185]

Jenny : sorry I am late
Miley : that is ok i haven't waited long

 

[richuk]

Jenny : sorry I am late
Miley : that is ok i haven't waited long

Not a teacher.

Yes that's fine

 

[bds51]

Hello Richuk,
The sentence is correct but stilted.

Better would be ... Sorry, I'm late. That's okay; I haven't been waiting long.

 

[2006]

Hello Richuk,
The sentence is correct but stilted.

Better would be ... Sorry, I'm late. That's okay; I haven't been waiting long.

Why do you think "I haven't been waiting long." is better than "I haven't waited long."?

 

[bds51]

Hello Richuk
It's better because waiting involves a certain amount of time and the present perfect continuous emphasizes the duration of a situation or activity. When you are to meet someone and arrive late what would you say? Have you waited long? or Have you been waiting long? or How long have you waited? or How long have you been waiting? englishniche.com

 

[2006]

Hello Richuk
It's better because waiting involves a certain amount of time and the present perfect continuous emphasizes the duration of a situation or activity. I think that saying it does more than present perfect does is a matter of opinion.

When you are to meet someone and arrive late what would you say? Have you waited long? or Have you been waiting long? or How long have you waited? or How long have you been waiting? englishniche.com

I think that both pairs are correct and that choosing one over the other is a matter of personal preference or habit.

Since the waiting is over, one could also say 'How long did you (have to) wait?'

 

[emsr2d2]

I think that both pairs are correct and that choosing one over the other is a matter of personal preference or habit.

Since the waiting is over, one could also say 'How long did you (have to) wait?'

In this context, I would still be inclined to use the present perfect continuous: How long have you been waiting? Although the waiting is technically over, because you have arrived, it would be a question you would ask immediately upon your arrival. If, later in the day, you wanted to ask the same question, you would then use "How long were you waiting for me?"

 

[2006]

In this context, I would still be inclined to use the present perfect continuous:


How long have you been waiting? Although the waiting is technically over, because you have arrived, it would be a question you would ask immediately upon your arrival. If, later in the day, you wanted to ask the same question, you would then use "How long were you waiting for me?"

"I would still be inclined" Are you bds51?

Anyway, I'm not convinced, but you certainly are entitled to your point of view.

 

[bds51]

Hello 2006 and emsr
How long did you have to wait is great too. 2006: could you explain in detail what your own take is on this? Thanks: still would be inclined!

 

[2006]

Hello 2006 and emsr
How long did you have to wait is great too. 2006: could you explain in detail what your own take is on this? Thanks: still would be inclined!

I don't know what more I can add. Do you have specific question?