I wanted them

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I wanted them" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing a desire or wish for something or someone in the past. Example: "When I was younger, I wanted them to be proud of me."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

So I wanted them removed".

The New York Times

I wanted them to succeed.

The New York Times - Magazine

"I wanted them to hurry.

The New York Times

I wanted them to leave.

The New Yorker

I wanted them both...

The New York Times - Books

I wanted them to have coats.

The New Yorker

"I wanted them out," she recalls.

The New Yorker

"I wanted them to sound very different.

The New York Times - Magazine

I wanted them to prove it".

The New York Times

"That's how I wanted them to learn".

The New Yorker

I wanted them to disappear.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "I wanted them", ensure that the context clearly indicates who "them" refers to. This avoids ambiguity and ensures clear communication.

Common error

Avoid using "I wanted them" without clearly establishing the identity of "them" beforehand. Without context, the reader may struggle to understand who or what you are referring to, leading to confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I wanted them" functions as a statement of past desire. It consists of a subject ("I"), a verb ("wanted"), and an object ("them"). As Ludwig AI confirms, this construction is standard and grammatically sound, aligning with numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "I wanted them" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to convey a past desire or preference. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is widely employed in various contexts, especially in news and media. Its function is to express a personal wish or intention, and its register is generally neutral, making it suitable for both formal and informal communication. Understanding the context and ensuring clarity in referring to "them" is crucial for effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I desired them

This alternative uses a more formal verb to express a strong feeling of wanting something.

I needed them

This phrase indicates a requirement or necessity, implying a stronger need than a simple want.

I wished for them

This expresses a longing or hope, often for something that is unlikely or difficult to achieve.

I yearned for them

This suggests a deep and persistent longing, often with a sense of sadness or nostalgia.

I craved them

This indicates a strong and urgent desire, often with a sense of physical or emotional need.

I was counting on them

This implies reliance and expectation, suggesting that the speaker depended on the people in question.

I expected them to

This expresses an anticipation or belief that someone would perform a certain action.

I hoped for them

This conveys a desire for a specific outcome or situation involving the people in question.

I required them

This suggests a formal demand or necessity for their presence or action.

I anticipated them

This indicates an expectation of their arrival or participation.

FAQs

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

Use "I wanted them" to express a past desire or wish for a group of people or things. For example, "I wanted them to succeed" or "I wanted them to leave".

What are some alternatives to "I wanted them"?

You can use alternatives such as "I desired them", "I needed them", or "I wished for them" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "I wanted them" grammatically correct?

Yes, "I wanted them" is grammatically correct. It follows the standard subject-verb-object structure and is widely used in English.

What's the difference between "I wanted them" and "I needed them"?

"I wanted them" expresses a desire, while "I needed them" suggests a requirement or necessity. The latter implies a greater level of importance or dependence.