I always wanted

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I always wanted" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express a long-standing desire or aspiration that you have had over time. Example: "I always wanted to travel the world and experience different cultures."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"I always wanted money".

The New York Times

I always wanted children.

The New Yorker

"That's what I always wanted".

The New York Times

I always wanted to write.

The New York Times - Books

I always wanted to improve.

Independent

I always wanted to act".

The New York Times - Arts

I always wanted to travel".

The New Yorker

I always wanted to play.

The New York Times - Sports

I always wanted to be a GP.

The Guardian

I always wanted to be of service.

The New Yorker

I always wanted to be a winner".

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I always wanted" to express a consistent, long-term desire or aspiration. Ensure the context clearly indicates the object or goal of your desire.

Common error

Avoid using "I always wanted" without specifying what you wanted. Always complete the sentence with a clear object or action to avoid ambiguity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I always wanted" primarily functions as an introductory clause to express a past desire, ambition, or aspiration. As Ludwig AI confirms, this expression is grammatically correct and widely used. It sets the stage for specifying the particular desire or goal.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Science

22%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "I always wanted" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase to express a past desire or aspiration. Ludwig AI validates this, and examples demonstrate its wide applicability across contexts, mainly in news and media. When using this phrase, ensure you clearly specify what you desired to avoid ambiguity. Consider similar phrases like "I always wished" or "it was always my ambition" for nuanced expression. Whether you're speaking casually or writing formally, this phrase effectively conveys your past longings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I had always wished

Replaces "wanted" with "wished", implying a slightly more passive longing.

It was always my ambition

Substitutes the whole clause with a more formal statement of ambition.

I had a long-held desire

Emphasizes the duration of the desire using "long-held".

I yearned for it

Uses "yearned" to express a deep and emotional longing.

I have been dreaming of

Expresses the wish as a dream, something less concrete or achievable.

I aspired to

Conveys ambition and effort directed towards achieving the goal.

I was always keen on

Replaces "wanted" with "keen on", indicating strong interest or enthusiasm.

I've always had a craving for

Uses "craving" to suggest a powerful, almost uncontrollable desire.

I was forever hoping

Focuses on the continuous hope aspect with "forever hoping".

My lifelong dream was

Emphasizes that the desire has been present throughout one's entire life.

FAQs

How can I use "I always wanted" in a sentence?

Use "I always wanted" to express a past desire or aspiration that you held consistently. For example, "I always wanted to travel the world" or "I always wanted to be a doctor".

What phrases are similar in meaning to "I always wanted"?

Similar phrases include "I always wished", "I had always dreamed", or "it was always my ambition", depending on the context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "I always wanted to"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct and a common way to express a past desire. The phrase "I always wanted to" should be followed by a verb to indicate the action or state that you desired, like in the example "I always wanted to sing".

What's the difference between "I always wanted" and "I want"?

"I always wanted" refers to a past desire, while "I want" expresses a current desire. "I always wanted to visit Paris" means you had this desire in the past, while "I want to visit Paris" means you currently have this desire.