I was wanting

USAGE SUMMARY

"I was wanting" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used in a sentence when expressing an unfulfilled longing or desire. For example: "I was wanting a new car, but I had to settle for a used one."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

42 human-written examples

"But I was wanting to play so much.

The New York Times - Sports

And there I was wanting to run off into my future.

The New Yorker

When I spoke to Ian he had a very similar vision to what I was wanting.

The Guardian - Sport

"You know, I was glad to win one, and I was wanting to win more coming into today.

The New York Times - Sports

When you are locked up, you can't do anything and I was wanting to help my wife, my children".

The Guardian

And I was wanting to get back in touch with, I don't know, my inner adolescent or whatever I guess.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

18 human-written examples

I was wanted in Paris.

The New Yorker

Anas: I was wanted by secret police.

The Guardian

But I was wanted.

Huffington Post

I'm wanting her to be normal.

The New Yorker

"I'm wanting to move into producing.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I was wanting" to express a past desire or intention that was not necessarily fulfilled. It's particularly useful when describing a state of mind or a feeling at a specific time in the past.

Common error

Avoid using "I was wanting" to describe a current or ongoing desire. Instead, use "I want" or "I am wanting", depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I was wanting" functions as a verb phrase in the past continuous tense, expressing a continuous state of desiring something in the past. As Ludwig confirms, this expression is grammatically correct and can add a nuanced meaning to sentences.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "I was wanting" is a grammatically sound phrase used to express a past desire or intention. Ludwig's analysis and numerous examples show that it is considered a usable and correct expression, often conveying a sense of longing or unfulfilled intention. Although versatile, it leans toward a neutral to informal register and is frequently found in news, media, and scientific contexts. When writing, it's helpful to consider the specific nuance you wish to convey; if you are seeking formality, alternatives such as "I desired" or "I wished" might be more suitable. Understanding these nuances helps ensure your message is clear and appropriate for your audience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I wished

Implies a hope or regret about a past situation.

I desired

Emphasizes a stronger sense of longing or yearning.

I longed for

Expresses a deep and persistent desire.

I had hoped

Highlights the expectation or anticipation of something.

I yearned for

Expresses a deep emotional longing.

I needed

Indicates a requirement or necessity in the past.

I craved

Implies a strong and urgent desire.

I had a desire for

More formal way of expressing a past wish.

I had intended

Focuses on the intention or plan to do something.

I aimed to

Suggests a goal or purpose that was pursued.

FAQs

How can I use "I was wanting" in a sentence?

You can use "I was wanting" to describe a past desire or intention, such as "I was wanting to go to the beach, but it rained all day".

What's a good alternative to "I was wanting"?

Consider using phrases like "I wished", "I desired", or "I needed" depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is "I was wanting" grammatically correct?

Yes, "I was wanting" is grammatically correct, although it might be considered less formal than some alternatives. According to Ludwig AI, it is a correct and usable phrase in written English.

What's the difference between "I wanted" and "I was wanting"?

"I wanted" expresses a simple past desire, while "I was wanting" implies a continuous state of wanting in the past, often suggesting a longer duration or a feeling that persisted over time.