it wants to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it wants to" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express a desire or intention of a subject, often in a more abstract or metaphorical sense. Example: "The project has its own momentum; it wants to succeed despite the challenges we face."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

Now it wants to press its advantage.

The Economist

"It wants to guide".

The New York Times

It wants to.

The Economist

"It wants to reproduce itself".

The New York Times

It wants to kill Jews.

Independent

It wants to see joy.

The New York Times

It wants to shrink them.

The New York Times

Because it wants to gain market share?

The New York Times

It wants to explore unnoticed possibilities".

The New Yorker

It wants to munch you up.

The New Yorker

It eats what it wants to eat.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it wants to", ensure the subject is clearly defined and the intention is understandable within the context.

Common error

Be cautious when using "it wants to" for inanimate objects or abstract concepts, as it can lead to unintended anthropomorphism. Ensure the intention is presented logically and avoids attributing human-like desires inappropriately.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it wants to" functions as an expression of desire, intention, or inclination. According to Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and widely used. The subject, denoted by "it", expresses a specific aim or goal it intends to achieve.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Formal & Business

5%

Science

3%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it wants to" is a grammatically sound and versatile expression used to convey the desire, intention, or inclination of a subject. As validated by Ludwig, it is suitable for various contexts, though predominantly found in news and media sources. When employing this phrase, ensure the subject's intent is clear and avoid unintended anthropomorphism. For alternatives, consider phrases like "it desires to", "it intends to", or "it aims to" to tailor the nuance to your specific needs. Ludwig confirms the phrase's correctness and common usage, making it a reliable choice for expressing intention.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it desires to

Replaces "wants" with a more formal synonym, suggesting a stronger inclination.

it intends to

Focuses on the planned action or purpose, indicating a clear objective.

it aims to

Highlights the goal or target, implying a specific direction or ambition.

it seeks to

Emphasizes the effort or pursuit involved in achieving the desired outcome.

it is inclined to

Suggests a predisposition or tendency towards a particular action or belief.

it has a mind to

Indicates a tentative intention or consideration of a particular action.

it is looking to

Highlights the exploratory or investigative aspect of its intention.

it is eager to

Expresses enthusiasm or strong anticipation for the desired outcome.

it is determined to

Highlights the resolute and unwavering nature of the intention.

it feels compelled to

Suggests a sense of obligation or necessity driving the action.

FAQs

What does "it wants to" mean in a sentence?

The phrase "it wants to" expresses the desire, intention, or inclination of the subject (represented by "it") towards a specific action or outcome. It indicates that the subject has a goal or purpose it is trying to achieve.

What are some alternatives to "it wants to"?

You can use alternatives such as "it desires to", "it intends to", or "it aims to" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to use "it wants to"?

Yes, "it wants to" is grammatically correct and widely used in both formal and informal contexts to express the intention or desire of a subject.

How can I avoid misusing "it wants to"?

Ensure that the subject "it" is clearly defined and that attributing a desire or intention to it makes logical sense in the context of your sentence. Be mindful of anthropomorphism, especially when dealing with inanimate objects or abstract concepts.