it was wanted

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was wanted" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express that something was desired or needed in the past. Example: "The report was submitted late, but it was wanted by the team for the meeting."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

Like so many other bird species, it was made extinct not because it was wanted for its meat or feathers, or because of climate change or even a rare disease, but thanks to sheer human thoughtlessness.

The Guardian

But later, he slipped in that he thought it was "wanted by the organization".

The New York Times - Sports

In 1956 he told The Times it was, "Wanted, 500 readers".

The New York Times - Books

The customer's receipt probably bears the name of the recipient bank, suggesting that the money was wired directly to where it was wanted.

The Economist

He instructed his flock that no game was to be killed until it was wanted for food, "for it is a sin to waste life and flesh".

The Economist

James Landis, Firestone's editor at William Morrow, remembers with amazement that "she came to me quite troubled and said that the women in whatever group it was wanted to own the copyright.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

It was wanting to be dead.

Vice

The second is putting traffic where it is wanted.

Rick Gallahers MPLS Training Guide Building Multi Protocol Label Switching Networks

5. Provide what's wanted where it's wanted exactly when it's wanted.

Harvard Business Review

Hypnotic drugs can provide sleep when it is wanted.

Harvard University

4. Provide what's wanted exactly where it's wanted.

Harvard Business Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it was wanted", ensure the context clearly indicates who or what desired the item or action. This avoids ambiguity and strengthens the sentence's clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "it was wanted" when the referent of "it" is unclear. Always ensure the pronoun clearly points to a specific noun or concept to prevent confusion for the reader.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was wanted" primarily functions as a passive construction, indicating that something received the action of being desired or needed by someone or something else. As Ludwig AI confirms, this is a perfectly acceptable and correct usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it was wanted" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase that indicates something was desired or needed. As Ludwig AI explains, this phrase is perfectly suitable for expressing past desires or requirements. Its usage spans across various contexts, primarily in news and media, science, and encyclopedic content. When using this phrase, ensure the context is clear to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives like "it was needed" or "it was required" can provide subtle differences in meaning, allowing for more precise communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was desired

Replaces "wanted" with a synonym emphasizing a stronger sense of longing or wish.

it was needed

Substitutes "wanted" with a word focusing on necessity rather than desire.

it was required

Emphasizes the mandatory nature of the need, offering a more formal tone.

it was in demand

Shifts the focus to external demand rather than internal desire.

it was sought after

Highlights the competitive aspect of wanting something, implying popularity.

it was requested

Indicates a formal asking or petitioning for something.

it was called for

Suggests a public or collective need for something.

there was a demand for it

Restructures the sentence to emphasize the existence of a need.

people were asking for it

Highlights the agency of people desiring or needing something.

it was yearned for

Conveys a deep, emotional longing, which may not always be applicable.

FAQs

How can I use "it was wanted" in a sentence?

Use "it was wanted" to indicate that something was desired or needed in the past. For example, "The information was crucial; it was wanted immediately".

What's a more formal way to say "it was wanted"?

More formal alternatives include "it was required", "it was requested", or "it was needed".

What can I say instead of "it was wanted" to emphasize demand?

To emphasize demand, you can use phrases like "it was in demand" or "it was sought after".

Is there a difference between "it was wanted" and "it was needed"?

"It was wanted" implies desire or preference, while "it was needed" suggests necessity or requirement. The choice depends on the specific context.