is wanted

USAGE SUMMARY

"is wanted" is correct and usable in written English.
As a form of the verb "to want," you can use "is wanted" to make a statement that someone desires a certain thing. Example sentence: A sense of adventure is wanted for this position.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

At least Damon is wanted.

The New York Times

Help is wanted, again.

The New York Times

What is wanted here?

The Guardian

No comma is wanted after the name.

The New York Times

No comma is wanted after "perhaps".

The New York Times

The thief is wanted for grand larceny.

The New York Times

He is wanted on federal drug violations.

The New York Times

Finally he is wanted somewhere.

The New York Times - Arts

He is wanted by the Russian government.

The Guardian

No alternative opinion is wanted or sought.

The Guardian

Their posters proclaim that the minister is wanted for murder.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "is wanted" in a sentence, ensure that the subject clearly indicates who or what desires the thing being wanted. Clarity prevents misinterpretation and strengthens your message.

Common error

Avoid using "is wanted" when an active construction would be more direct and clear. Overuse of the passive voice can make your writing seem weak or evasive.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is wanted" functions as a passive verb phrase, typically indicating that a subject is desired or required by someone or something else. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in written English, noting it as a form of the verb "to want."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Science

39%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

2%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is wanted" is a grammatically correct and frequently used passive construction that indicates desire, need, or requirement. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. Its usage spans various contexts, but it is especially common in news and media, often in reference to individuals sought by law enforcement or needs that must be met. While other phrases like "is desired" or "is needed" can serve as alternatives, "is wanted" often carries a specific connotation of urgency or official demand. When using "is wanted", ensure that the subject and context are clear to avoid misinterpretation and to effectively convey the intended message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is desired

Emphasizes a strong feeling of wanting or wishing for something.

is needed

Indicates that something is necessary or essential.

is required

Suggests a formal or mandatory requirement.

is in demand

Highlights that there's a high level of interest or request for something.

is sought after

Implies that something is highly valued and many people are trying to obtain it.

is wished for

Conveys a sense of longing or hoping for something.

is longed for

Expresses a deep and persistent desire for something.

is yearned for

Suggests a strong, almost painful, desire for something.

is craved

Indicates an intense and compelling desire, often for something that is difficult to obtain.

is in request

Means that something has been requested

FAQs

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

The phrase "is wanted" is used to indicate that someone or something is desired or needed. For example: "The thief "is wanted" for grand larceny" or "Help "is wanted" for out of work Americans".

What are some alternatives to "is wanted"?

Alternatives to "is wanted" include "is desired", "is needed", and "is required", each carrying slightly different connotations of desire or necessity.

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

"Is wanted" is used with singular nouns, while "are wanted" is used with plural nouns. For example: "The book is wanted" versus "The books are wanted".

What's the difference between "is wanted" and "wants"?

"Is wanted" is in the passive voice, indicating that someone desires something. "Wants" is in the active voice, indicating that someone is doing the desiring. For example: "He is wanted by the police" (passive) versus "He wants a new car" (active).