always wanted

USAGE SUMMARY

"always wanted" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It is typically used to express a recurring desire or goal that a person has had for a long time. Example: "She always wanted to travel the world, and finally, at the age of 60, she fulfilled her lifelong dream."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I've always wanted death.

The New Yorker

"I always wanted money".

The New York Times

I always wanted children.

The New Yorker

We always wanted to.

The New York Times

I always wanted to.

Cornell University

I've always wanted to win!

The Guardian - Lifestyle

I'd always wanted to race.

Independent

"That's what I always wanted".

The New York Times

I always wanted to write.

The New York Times - Books

I always wanted to improve.

Independent

"That's what I've always wanted".

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "always wanted" to express a recurring desire or a goal held for a significant period, adding context to emphasize the duration and intensity of the wish.

Common error

Avoid using "always wanted" in highly formal writing; opt for more sophisticated synonyms like "long aspired to" or "persistently desired" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "always wanted" functions as an adverbial modifier, specifically indicating the duration and persistence of a desire or intention. Ludwig AI shows numerous examples where it modifies verbs to express recurring wishes.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Reference

3%

Science

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "always wanted" is a common and grammatically sound way to express a long-held desire or intention. Ludwig AI confirms its widespread usage across various contexts, particularly in News & Media and Academia. While generally neutral in tone, more formal alternatives may be preferable in certain professional settings. The frequency analysis highlights its versatility, but careful consideration of context is key to effective communication. As Ludwig's examples demonstrate, "always wanted" effectively conveys the depth and duration of a wish.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

longed for

Replaces "always wanted" with a single verb emphasizing the feeling of desire.

desired for a long time

Rephrases "always wanted" using "desired" and adding a time frame.

had a long-standing desire for

Replaces "always wanted" with a formal and descriptive phrase.

had a yearning for

Substitutes "always wanted" with a more emotive expression using "yearning".

dreamed of

Replaces "always wanted" with a phrase that emphasizes aspiration and dreams.

for years I've desired

Shifts the sentence structure to emphasize the duration of the desire instead of "always wanted".

aspired to

Uses a more formal verb to convey a long-term ambition, instead of "always wanted".

incessantly wished for

Emphasizes the continuous nature of the desire with "incessantly wished" replacing "always wanted".

constantly craved

Replaces "always wanted" with "constantly craved", implying a strong, continuous desire.

it has been my ambition

Replaces "always wanted" with a statement of ambition.

FAQs

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

Use "always wanted" to describe something you have desired for a long time. For example, "I've "always wanted to travel" the world" or "She always wanted to be a doctor".

What can I say instead of "always wanted"?

You can use alternatives like "longed for", "desired for a long time", or "dreamed of", depending on the context.

Which is correct, "I always wanted" or "I have always wanted"?

Both "I always wanted" and "I have always wanted" are grammatically correct, but they convey slightly different meanings. "I always wanted" implies a past desire, while "I have always wanted" suggests a desire that started in the past and continues to the present. The choice depends on the intended meaning and context.

Is "always wanted" formal or informal?

"Always wanted" is generally considered neutral and suitable for most casual and semi-formal contexts. For more formal situations, consider alternatives like "persistently desired" or "long aspired to".