is wanting to know

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is wanting to know" is not standard in written English and may sound awkward.
It can be used informally to express curiosity or desire for information, but it is better to use more conventional phrases. Example: "She is wanting to know more about the project timeline."

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Everyone is wanting to know who it is.

Independent

Comments will tell you what the audience is wanting to know.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

You'll be wanting to know the context.

The Guardian - Sport

"Now, after one preseason game, people are wanting to know what's wrong with the offense," he said.

The New York Times - Sports

"This is exactly what I have been wanting to know and understand," he said, recalling his reaction to the lecture.

The New York Times

Photograph: /The Guardian You may be wanting to know how the teams will be divided if they finish level.

The Guardian - Sport

"I've just been wanting to know that you want me".

Vice

I've been wanting to know who my father was for the longest time.

Vice

Simply going to church and seeing others who are wanting to know God will help you seek God more easily.

WikiHow

"Bluebeard" is about wanting to know the unknowable.

The New York Times - Arts

Looking through the athlete profiles, I'm left wanting to know more about Scott McCowan from Ayrshire.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is wanting to know" in informal contexts to convey a sense of ongoing curiosity or desire.

Common error

Avoid using the progressive form ("is wanting to know") when a simple present tense ("wants to know") is clearer and more direct. Overusing progressive forms can make your writing sound awkward or unnatural.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is wanting to know" functions as a verbal phrase expressing a desire or curiosity for information. It combines an auxiliary verb ('is') with a verb in the present participle form ('wanting') and an infinitive phrase ('to know'). Ludwig indicates it's less standard than simpler alternatives.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

50%

Science

0%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "is wanting to know" is grammatically acceptable, it is less common and considered more informal than its simpler alternative, "wants to know". As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase can be used to express a continuous desire for information, but careful consideration should be given to the context. In formal writing, simpler, more direct alternatives are preferred. Common errors include overusing progressive forms, which can make your writing sound awkward. Therefore, use "is wanting to know" judiciously, primarily in informal settings where you want to emphasize ongoing curiosity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

wants to know

This is a simpler and more direct way of expressing the same desire for information, using the simple present tense instead of the present progressive.

desires to know

This alternative uses a more formal verb, "desire", to convey a strong wish to know something.

is curious to know

This option emphasizes the aspect of curiosity as the driving force behind the desire for knowledge.

is eager to know

This phrase highlights the enthusiasm or excitement associated with wanting to gain information.

is interested in knowing

This alternative focuses on the interest level as the reason for wanting information.

seeks to know

This expresses a proactive effort to find out or learn something, implying an active search for information.

is keen to know

This uses "keen" to express a strong enthusiasm or interest in knowing something.

aspires to know

This suggests a higher-level goal of acquiring knowledge, implying a more profound desire to learn.

wishes to learn

This alternative focuses on the learning aspect, emphasizing the desire to gain understanding.

hopes to find out

This conveys the anticipation of discovering information, rather than directly stating the desire to know.

FAQs

Is it grammatically correct to say "is wanting to know"?

While not incorrect, "is wanting to know" is less common and can sound awkward. The simpler phrase "wants to know" is generally preferred.

When should I use "is wanting to know" versus "wants to know"?

"Is wanting to know" can be used in informal contexts to emphasize ongoing curiosity. However, "wants to know" is more versatile and suitable for most situations.

What are some alternatives to "is wanting to know"?

Alternatives include "is curious to know", "is eager to know", and "desires to know", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "is wanting to know" considered formal or informal?

"Is wanting to know" leans toward informal usage. For formal writing, "wants to know" or "desires to know" are better choices.