a common want

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a common want" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a desire or need that is shared by many people. Example: "In times of crisis, a common want for safety and security often unites communities."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

A common want in the holiday months is a long, involving crime novel.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

If you're into DSLR photography, remotely controlling the thing is a pretty common want for new users and seasoned veterans alike.

TechCrunch

He told me, "If a common man wants to lead an honest life, he does not have that option".

The New Yorker

But I don't want to become a common name – I want it remain different.

The Guardian - Opinion

"We've taken away the points, so I guess people will say: 'Just be happy,' but I think it's a common theme, people want results because they want to play in Division One, and I think someone higher up than myself probably needs to look at what is happening at the moment with Division Two wickets," he continued.

The Guardian - Sport

In Benghazi, an influential businessman named Sami Bubtaina expressed a common sentiment: "We want democracy.

The New Yorker

Ordinary Jews and Palestinians share a common ambition: They want a decent life for their families — on the land that has been shared by so many tribes throughout the ages.

The New York Times

The majority of submissions focused on a common theme: students want to explore the world outside of their bubble, and they aspire to college experiences which stimulate, challenge, and explose them to different perspectives on the world.

Huffington Post

The bottom line is that fishermen and conservationists truly have a common goal: We want to take care of the ocean so that future generations can keep fishing, diving, eating local seafood, and enjoying the myriad other benefits that our marine resources provide.

Huffington Post

The youth delegates, aged 12-18, took part in a two-day workshop ahead of the East Asia and Pacific Regional Consultation on Children and HIV/AIDS to share their experiences in dealing with HIV and AIDS and to agree on a common message they want to convey at the main meeting.

Unicef

Even a common, ordinary brick wants to be something more than it is… better than it is.

The Guardian - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a common want", ensure the context clearly indicates who shares the want and what the object of that want is. This avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid assuming that "a common want" is universally held. Qualify the statement by specifying the group or community that shares the desire to prevent overgeneralization.

Linguistic Context

"A common want" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It identifies something widely desired. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is grammatical and well-accepted.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Wiki

20%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a common want" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe a shared desire or need. While less frequent, it’s versatile and appears in various contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness. When employing this phrase, specify the group sharing the want and its precise object. Consider related phrases like "a shared desire" or "a mutual need" for nuance. Remember, context is key to effective communication!

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a shared desire

Focuses on the feeling of wanting something together, rather than the object of that desire.

a mutual need

Emphasizes the necessity aspect of the desire, suggesting it's something required by multiple parties.

a widespread aspiration

Highlights the ambition or goal that many people share.

a collective yearning

Conveys a strong, emotional desire shared by a group.

a prevalent longing

Similar to "yearning" but perhaps with a sense of something missing.

a universal desire

Suggests the want is present in all people.

a general demand

Highlights a need or requirement that is widely requested.

a popular request

Focuses on the act of asking for something that many people want.

a prevailing trend

Highlights that desire is a widespread behavior or fashion.

a public expectation

Conveys the want in terms of a common anticipation or belief.

FAQs

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

You can use "a common want" to describe something that many people desire. For example, "In times of economic hardship, "a common want" is financial security".

What phrases are similar to "a common want"?

Similar phrases include "a shared desire", "a mutual need", or "a widespread aspiration".

Is it correct to say "a common want"?

Yes, the phrase "a common want" is grammatically correct and understandable. Ludwig AI confirms its usability. However, consider whether a more specific alternative like "a shared desire" might be more appropriate.

What's the difference between "a common want" and "a common need"?

"A common want" suggests a desire or wish that is widely shared, while "a common need" implies something essential or necessary that many people require.