I usually want

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I usually want" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express a general desire or preference that you have on a regular basis. Example: "I usually want to spend my weekends relaxing at home rather than going out."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

"I usually want things".

The Guardian - Books

When I love a songwriter, I usually want to hear her voice, her words, one instrument, and nothing else.

The New Yorker

When I want a book I usually want it right away, so if I'm in New York I'll go into the first bookstore I pass by.

The New York Times - Books

Since one of my personalities is that of teacher, I usually want to prepare something to say to students when a so-called natural disaster breaks.

The New York Times

By the time you get to dessert, all I usually want is a hammock to lie down in and take a break from all that intensity".

The New York Times - Food

Conversely, when I have played characters who have a sloppy appearance, I usually want to clean myself up and leave that character in the theater".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

"I usually wanted 1," she said.

The New York Times

He's not someone I would usually want to touch.

Vice

I felt: 'I wanna meet these people.' Which is unusual for me: I don't usually want to meet the people who are making music that I like.

The Guardian - Books

I work at home and spend so many hours playing video games in my house that I don't usually want to bury my head in a screen when I go out.

The New York Times - Tech

Perhaps that's why Ben Todd, the media relations manager for Sellafield Ltd, recounts: "When people hear about what I do they usually want to know more.

The Guardian - Money

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "I usually want", ensure the context clearly indicates a recurring preference or desire. For example, "After a long day at work, I usually want to relax with a good book" specifies when this desire typically arises.

Common error

Avoid using "I usually want" when describing a one-time desire or a situation that is not typical. Using it in such cases can sound unnatural or misleading.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I usually want" functions as a statement of habitual desire or preference. It combines a personal pronoun (I), an adverb of frequency (usually), and a verb of desire (want) to express a recurring inclination. As Ludwig confirms, this structure is grammatically sound and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

10%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

7%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "I usually want" is a grammatically correct and understandable way to express a common or recurring desire. As confirmed by Ludwig, this expression indicates a habitual preference, commonly found in news, media, scientific and business contexts. When using this phrase, it's best to ensure that the context supports the idea of a regular inclination to avoid overgeneralization. While there are several alternatives, each carries slightly different nuances in terms of strength and formality. Knowing these nuances and understanding that the phrase is grammatically correct enables a more effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I generally desire

Replaces "usually" with "generally", indicating a common but not necessarily invariable preference.

My usual preference is for

Expresses preference more explicitly, making the statement about a general tendency.

I typically crave

Uses "crave" instead of "want", suggesting a stronger, perhaps more impulsive desire.

I am in the habit of wanting

Highlights the habitual nature of the desire, framing it as a recurring practice.

I habitually wish for

Employs a more formal tone with "habitually" and "wish for", suggesting a repeated but potentially unfulfilled desire.

I have a tendency to desire

Focuses on a tendency or inclination, slightly distancing the speaker from active wanting.

I am often inclined to

Shifts the focus to inclination rather than direct wanting, implying a tendency or predisposition.

I am accustomed to desiring

Indicates a state of being used to wanting, suggesting familiarity and routine.

It is my custom to desire

Highlights the customary nature of the desire, suggesting a regular pattern or practice.

I am wont to want

Uses the archaic "wont" to indicate a habitual tendency, adding a somewhat old-fashioned feel.

FAQs

What does "I usually want" mean?

It indicates a recurring desire or preference. It suggests something that you typically or habitually want in certain situations or as a general rule.

How can I use "I usually want" in a sentence?

You can use it to express a common desire. For example, "After dinner, "I usually want" dessert" or "When I travel, "I usually want" a window seat".

What are some alternatives to "I usually want"?

You can use alternatives like "I generally desire", "I typically crave", or "My usual preference is for" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "I usually want"?

Yes, it's grammatically correct and widely used. However, ensure that the context supports the implication of a recurring or habitual desire. Ludwig confirms its validity.