I wanted that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I wanted that" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express a desire or wish for something in the past. Example: "When I saw the new video game, I immediately thought, I wanted that for my birthday."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

I wanted that playfulness.

The New York Times

I wanted that feeling".

The New Yorker

I wanted that opportunity.

The New York Times

I wanted that for prom".

The New York Times

I wanted that life too.

The New York Times

I wanted that so bad".

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

6 human-written examples

"I want that back".

The New Yorker

I want that acceptance.

The New York Times - Sports

"I want that championship.

The New York Times - Sports

Or "I want that".

The New York Times

"I want that bike too!!!

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To add emphasis, consider using synonyms like "I craved that" or "I yearned for that", depending on the intensity of the emotion you want to convey.

Common error

Avoid using "I wanted that" without proper context. If the object of desire isn't clear, the phrase becomes vague and confusing. Always ensure your audience understands what "that" refers to, or specify the object directly. For example, instead of "I wanted that", say "I wanted that promotion".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I wanted that" primarily functions as a declarative statement expressing a past desire or intention. It indicates that the speaker had a specific object or experience in mind and wished to possess or attain it. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable form.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Academia

10%

Science

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "I wanted that" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to express a past desire. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and widespread use. Its straightforward structure makes it suitable for various contexts, though clarity is key – ensure the object of desire is clear to your audience. Consider synonyms like "I desired that" for more formal settings. This phrase is found most often in news and media, indicating its neutrality and broad applicability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I desired that

Replaces "wanted" with a more formal synonym, "desired", indicating a strong feeling of wanting something.

That was my wish

Emphasizes the object of desire as the speaker's "wish", focusing on the aspiration.

I yearned for that

Conveys a deep longing or craving for something, suggesting a strong emotional connection.

I craved that

Implies an intense desire or need, often used for things that are hard to attain or resist.

That appealed to me

Suggests that something was attractive or interesting to the speaker.

I had a hankering for that

Uses a more colloquial expression to indicate a strong desire or craving.

I set my heart on that

Indicates a strong determination to obtain something, suggesting a focused desire.

I longed for that

Expresses a strong and persistent desire, often for something unattainable.

I was keen on that

Indicates enthusiasm or interest in something, suggesting a desire to pursue or obtain it.

I was after that

Implies that the speaker was pursuing or trying to obtain something.

FAQs

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

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases such as "I desired that" or "That was my wish". These options elevate the language and are suitable for professional or academic contexts.

Is "I wanted that" grammatically correct?

Yes, "I wanted that" is grammatically correct. The phrase consists of a subject ("I"), a verb ("wanted"), and a pronoun ("that") serving as the object of the verb. It's a simple and straightforward construction.

What are some alternatives to "I wanted that" to express a strong desire?

To express a stronger desire, you could use alternatives like "I craved that", "I yearned for that", or "I longed for that". These options convey a more intense emotional connection to the object of desire.

When is it best to use "I wanted that" versus more specific alternatives?

"I wanted that" is suitable when the context makes it clear what "that" refers to. If there's any ambiguity, it's better to use a more specific phrase that directly names the object of your desire. For instance, instead of "I wanted that", you might say "I wanted that job" or "I wanted that car".