I really wanted

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I really wanted" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express a strong desire or wish for something in the past. Example: "I really wanted to go to the concert, but I had to work that night."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

I really wanted to hit".

The New York Times - Sports

"I really wanted to help".

The New York Times

It's something I really wanted".

The New York Times - Sports

I really wanted six.

The New York Times - Arts

"I really wanted someone who wasn't predictable.

The New York Times - Books

"That's all I really wanted to do".

The New York Times - Sports

"Oh, I really wanted it". he said.

The New York Times

"That's what I really wanted," he added.

Independent

"I really wanted to beat him.

The New York Times

"I really wanted to live with Michael.

The New York Times

I really wanted to tell this story.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Combine "I really wanted" with specific reasons to add depth to your expression. For example, "I really wanted to visit Paris because of its rich history and culture."

Common error

While acceptable, repeatedly using "I really wanted" in formal documents can sound less professional. Instead, opt for more sophisticated expressions like "I sincerely desired" or "My objective was".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I really wanted" functions as a declarative statement expressing a past desire. It commonly introduces a clause explaining what the speaker wished for, as illustrated in various examples found by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Formal & Business

6%

Science

6%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "I really wanted" is a versatile phrase used to express a strong past desire or intention. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across a range of contexts, primarily in news and media. While effective in conveying personal feelings, it's advisable to consider the formality of the context and use alternative expressions when necessary, such as in formal writing. Remember that adding "really" emphasizes the intensity of the desire, making it a more emphatic expression than simply saying "I wanted".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I truly desired

Emphasizes the sincerity and depth of the wanting, using a more formal tone.

I earnestly longed for

Highlights the intensity and yearning in the wanting, conveying a sense of deep craving.

I deeply craved

Indicates a strong and intense feeling of wanting, often associated with a physical need or addiction.

I yearned intensely for

Focuses on the emotional aspect of wanting, emphasizing the longing and wistfulness.

I was keen on

Expresses enthusiasm and interest. Less intense than "I really wanted".

I was eager to have

Highlights the anticipation and excitement associated with obtaining the desired object or experience.

I had a strong inclination toward

Indicates a natural tendency or preference, suggesting a subtle but persistent desire.

My desire was to

States the wish directly, presenting it as a clear and conscious objective.

It was my sincere wish to

Adds a formal tone, emphasizing the genuineness and importance of the desire.

I had a passion for

Expresses a strong enthusiasm or excitement.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "I really wanted" to sound more formal?

In formal contexts, consider using alternatives like "I sincerely desired", "my objective was", or "it was my intention to" to maintain a professional tone.

What's a more casual way to say "I really wanted"?

For casual conversations, you might say "I was dying to", "I was so up for it", or simply "I badly wanted" depending on the intensity you want to convey.

Is there a difference between "I really wanted" and "I wanted"?

Adding "really" emphasizes the strength of your desire. "I wanted" simply states a past wish, while "I really wanted" conveys a stronger feeling of longing or need.

Can "I really wanted" be used to express regret?

Yes, it can. For example, "I really wanted to go, but I couldn't" suggests disappointment or regret about missing the opportunity.