are wanted

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are wanted" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that someone or something is desired or needed, often in contexts such as job postings or requests for assistance. Example: "Volunteers are wanted to help with the community cleanup event this Saturday."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

Facts alone are wanted in life".

The Economist

Dear Reader You are wanted.

The Guardian

No surprises are wanted these days.

The New York Times

"All the Palestinians are wanted," he said.

The New York Times

Both are wanted in the United States.

The New York Times

"They go only where they are wanted".

The New York Times

None are wanted for violent offenses like murder or robbery.

The New York Times

When conversation and explanations are wanted, offer them.

The New York Times

They are wanted by a majority of the population.

The New Yorker

Those two brothers fled, and are wanted by the police.

The New York Times

Female bishops are wanted by the church at large.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider if a more specific term might be more appropriate for formal writing, like "are required" or "are needed".

Common error

Avoid switching verb tenses mid-sentence when using "are wanted". Ensure the tense aligns with the rest of the sentence for clarity and grammatical accuracy.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are wanted" functions as a passive verb phrase, indicating that the subject is the recipient of the action (wanting) rather than the performer. This usage is supported by the examples provided, and it's deemed correct by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Science

27%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "are wanted" is a versatile and commonly used expression to indicate that someone or something is desired, needed, or required. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely accepted. It is frequently found in news and media, as well as scientific and formal business contexts. While "are wanted" serves well in general communication, considering more formal alternatives such as "are required" or "are needed" might enhance clarity and precision in professional and academic settings. Remember to maintain consistent verb tense and choose the appropriate form (is/are) based on the subject's singularity or plurality for error-free writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are needed

This alternative replaces "wanted" with "needed", emphasizing necessity rather than desire; the meaning remains very close.

are required

This alternative uses "required" to indicate necessity, often implying a formal or mandatory requirement.

are desired

This alternative uses "desired" to convey a stronger sense of wanting or wishing for something.

are sought after

This alternative implies that something or someone is in high demand.

are in demand

This alternative is a common idiom indicating a high level of need or desire for something.

are in request

This alternative suggests a formal request has been made.

are wished for

This alternative highlights a hopeful or aspirational desire.

are looked for

This alternative emphasizes the act of searching or seeking.

are being sought

This alternative suggests an active search is underway.

are in need

This alternative emphasizes the necessity or requirement due to a lack.

FAQs

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

Use "are wanted" to indicate that something or someone is desired or needed. For example, "Volunteers "are wanted" for the community event".

What's a more formal alternative to "are wanted"?

In formal contexts, consider using alternatives such as "are required" or "are needed" to maintain a professional tone.

Which is correct, "is wanted" or "are wanted"?

"Is wanted" is used for singular subjects, while ""are wanted"" is used for plural subjects. For example, "The book is wanted" versus "The books "are wanted"".

What does it mean when someone says "they are wanted by the police"?

This means the police are actively looking for those individuals, usually because they are suspected of committing a crime. This differs from simply being "are needed" or are required for something else.