be wanting

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be wanting" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate a lack or desire for something, often in a more formal or literary context. Example: "The project was found to be wanting in several key areas, necessitating a thorough review."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

You'll be wanting to know the context.

The Guardian - Sport

You'll probably be wanting a leaderboard.

The Guardian - Sport

You'll be wanting leather and air con, surely, sir?

Independent

VIOLET: And will she be wanting any bialys?

The New York Times

Would you be wanting to come back for future projects?

The New York Times

Back at headquarters, the editors will be wanting the shrine.

The New Yorker

On Oscar night, of course I'll be wanting it.

The New York Times

Next you'll be wanting jam on your crumpet.

The Guardian

Rationalizations, from both sides, would not be wanting.

The New Yorker

Hmm … " You'll be wanting a pre-nup, I hazard.

The Guardian

Motivation will not be wanting on either side.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be wanting", ensure the context clearly indicates whether it refers to a lack, a desire, or an expectation to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "be wanting" in contexts where a more direct or common phrase like "need" or "desire" would be clearer and more effective, especially in informal communication.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be wanting" primarily functions as a verb phrase, often acting as a linking verb followed by an adjective or participle. It indicates a state of lacking something or a future desire. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's usable and understandable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

18%

Science

16%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "be wanting" is a grammatically sound and frequently used verb phrase that expresses a deficiency, desire, or expectation. As Ludwig AI states, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. Analysis of its usage across various sources shows it's common in News & Media, Science, and Wiki, with a neutral to formal register. When using "be wanting", clarity is key to avoid ambiguity, and in certain contexts, more direct alternatives may be preferable. The examples and analysis here offer a guide to its proper usage, ensuring effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be lacking

Focuses on the absence or deficiency of something, often in a more formal context.

be in need of

Highlights the requirement or necessity for something.

be desiring

Emphasizes the act of wishing or longing for something.

be requiring

Stresses the need or obligation for something.

be wishing for

Expresses a hope or strong desire for something.

be short on

Indicates a deficiency or scarcity of something.

have need of

A more formal way to express the requirement for something.

stand in need of

Emphasizes the urgent or critical requirement for something.

feel the necessity for

Expresses an internal sense of needing something.

lack

A concise way to state the absence of something.

FAQs

How to use "be wanting" in a sentence?

You can use "be wanting" to express a lack, as in "The project was found to "be lacking" in several key areas", or to indicate a desire, as in "You'll "probably be wanting" a leaderboard".

What can I say instead of "be wanting"?

You can use alternatives like ""be lacking"", "be in need of", or "require" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "be wanting" or "want"?

Both are correct, but they have different meanings. "Want" expresses a direct desire, while "be wanting" can express a lack or a potential need. For example, "I want that book" versus "The report was found to "be wanting" in detail".

What's the difference between "be wanting" and "be needing"?

"Be needing" typically emphasizes an immediate requirement, while "be wanting" can suggest either a deficiency or a desire. "The plants "are needing" water" implies immediate action, whereas "The plants may "be wanting" more sunlight" suggests a potential improvement.