I want him

USAGE SUMMARY

"I want him" is a valid sentence in written English.
It is commonly used to indicate that you desire or long for something (or someone), either tangible or intangible. For example: "I want him to be here with me."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"I want him".

The New York Times - Sports

"I want him back.

The New York Times - Sports

I want him to shine".

The New Yorker

"I want him to relax".

The New Yorker

I want him to be.

The New Yorker

"I want him to succeed.

The New York Times

"I want him to suffer".

The New Yorker

"Sure I want him.

The New York Times - Sports

I want him dead".

The New York Times

"I want him fired".

The New York Times

I want him to do something".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the phrase "I want him" to express a direct and personal desire. Be mindful of the context and ensure it aligns with the intended tone.

Common error

Avoid using "I want him" in contexts where a softer, more diplomatic expression of desire is needed. The directness can sometimes come off as demanding or insensitive.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I want him" functions as a declarative statement expressing a personal desire or longing for someone. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically sound and commonly used. Examples from Ludwig illustrate its use in expressing a desire for someone's success or presence.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Formal & Business

34%

Science

22%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "I want him" is a straightforward expression of desire, widely used and grammatically sound as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It conveys a speaker's longing or need for another person, as seen in numerous examples across diverse sources, including News & Media, Formal & Business documents and scientific publications. Although its directness makes it suitable for various situations, caution is advised in contexts requiring a more nuanced expression. Alternatives like "I desire him" or "I need him" can offer a change in tone or emphasis, allowing for a more context-aware communication strategy.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I desire him

Formal synonym; emphasizes a strong feeling of wanting.

I wish for him

Expresses a hope or a desire for someone to be in a certain state or place.

I need him

Emphasizes necessity rather than mere desire.

I am keen on him

Informal; implies strong interest or attraction.

I require him

Formal synonym; suggests a need or obligation.

It is my will to have him

Formal; asserts a determined intention.

I long for him

Emphasizes a deep yearning or missing someone.

He is wanted by me

Passive voice; shifts the focus to him.

I am after him

Suggests pursuit or attempt to obtain something/someone.

I covet him

Implies a strong desire, potentially with a negative connotation.

FAQs

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

Use "I want him" to express a direct desire for someone. For example, "I want him on my team" or "I want him to succeed".

What are some alternative ways to express the sentiment of "I want him"?

Alternatives include phrases like "I desire him", which is more formal, or "I need him", which implies necessity.

Is it ever inappropriate to use the phrase "I want him"?

Yes, using "I want him" could be inappropriate in formal or delicate situations where a more nuanced or polite expression is required. Consider the context and your relationship with the person you're speaking about.

What's the difference between saying "I want him" and "I need him"?

"I want him" expresses a desire or preference. "I need him", on the other hand, suggests a requirement or necessity, implying that you cannot function properly without them.