I badly wanted

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I badly wanted" is correct and can be used in written English.
It conveys a strong desire or need for something. It can be used in various contexts, such as expressing a longing for an object, a goal, or a person. Example: I badly wanted to win the competition, so I practiced every day for months. Here, the speaker is expressing their strong desire to win the competition. The phrase "I badly wanted" adds emphasis and intensity to their desire.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

I badly wanted to see a bear.

The Guardian - Travel

I badly wanted to be sophisticated.

The Guardian

Truth be told: I badly wanted to buy a Prius.

The Economist

I badly wanted to visit Tom and Denesse Willey in Madera, 25 miles northwest of Fresno.

The New York Times - Magazine

Though I'd never dated a man with kids, I badly wanted children.

The New York Times

It sounded like music to me, and I badly wanted to imitate it".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

I love Rhydian but I badly want Niki to win.

The Guardian

I badly want to rent a place here.

The Guardian - Travel

I badly want him to beat David Cameron at the next general election.

Independent

I mention this because I badly want to use the word "meaty" this week.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

I badly want Craig to have really been in that room.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I badly wanted" to express a strong, personal desire or longing, adding emotional weight to your statement.

Common error

Avoid using "I badly wanted" for minor or trivial desires; reserve it for situations where the longing is genuinely intense, to maintain impact and credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I badly wanted" functions as a declarative statement expressing a strong personal desire or longing in the past. It combines a subject ("I"), an adverb ("badly"), and a verb ("wanted") to convey the intensity of the emotion, as supported by Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Wiki

15%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "I badly wanted" is a grammatically correct and common way to express a strong desire or longing for something in the past. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is suitable for various contexts, especially in news and media, although less common in formal academic or business writing. To enhance writing, reserve the phrase for situations where the longing is genuinely intense and consider alternatives like "I desperately craved" to add nuance. While versatile, be mindful of overuse to maintain its impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I desperately craved

Emphasizes the intensity of the desire, suggesting a sense of urgency and need.

I yearned intensely for

Conveys a deep longing and emotional desire for something.

I had a strong desire for

More formal and straightforward way of expressing a strong wish.

I longed for it greatly

Highlights the intensity and the prolonged duration of the desire.

I was dying to

An informal way to express eagerness and strong desire to do something.

I was extremely keen on

Indicates strong interest and enthusiasm towards something.

I was very eager for

Highlights the anticipation and enthusiasm in wanting something.

I strongly wished for

More formal, indicating a heartfelt and earnest desire.

I had a powerful urge for

Highlights the compelling and irresistible nature of the desire.

I felt a great longing for

Focuses on the emotional and deeply felt nature of the desire.

FAQs

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

You can use "I badly wanted" to express a strong desire or longing for something. For example, "I badly wanted to visit Paris since I was a child".

What are some alternatives to "I badly wanted"?

Alternatives include "I desperately craved", "I yearned intensely for", or "I had a strong desire for", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "I badly want" instead of "I badly wanted"?

Yes, "I badly want" is the present tense form, while "I badly wanted" is the past tense. Use "I badly want" to express a current strong desire, and "I badly wanted" for a desire in the past.

What's the difference between "I wanted" and "I badly wanted"?

While both express a desire, "I badly wanted" emphasizes the intensity and strength of that desire compared to the simpler "I wanted".