like I wanted

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "like I wanted" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a comparison or to indicate that something is in accordance with one's desires or intentions. Example: "I arranged the meeting for 3 PM, like I wanted, to ensure everyone could attend."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

She added: "It wasn't like, I wanted to write a book -- what could I write about?

The New York Times - Style

"Exactly like I wanted".

The New Yorker

It was like I wanted pain".

The New Yorker

" I always felt like I wanted learn more.

Independent

"I didn't really feel like I wanted to do it".

The New York Times - Sports

And it didn't work out like I wanted it to.

The New York Times - Sports

"I felt like I wanted to be higher".

The New York Times - Sports

"I feel bad that I haven't performed like I wanted.

The New York Times

It's almost like I wanted it too badly.

The New York Times - Sports

"It wasn't like I wanted to be an actor.

The New York Times

"Like I wanted you to notice me," Louise replies.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "like I wanted" in writing, ensure that the context clearly establishes what your desires or intentions were. This helps avoid ambiguity and ensures the reader understands the comparison you are making.

Common error

Avoid overusing "like I wanted" in highly formal or academic writing. While grammatically correct, it can occasionally sound too informal. Consider using more sophisticated alternatives such as "as I desired" or "in the manner I intended" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "like I wanted" functions as a conjunction phrase, often used to indicate that something happened or was done in accordance with one's expectations or desires. Ludwig examples illustrate its use across various contexts to express satisfaction or intended outcomes.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

90%

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

2%

Less common in

Science

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Academia

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "like I wanted" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to convey that something occurred according to one's desires or expectations. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's widely used across various contexts, especially in news and media. While its register is generally neutral, more formal alternatives might be preferable in professional or academic settings. Overall, "like I wanted" effectively communicates a sense of satisfaction or fulfillment.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as I desired

Replaces "wanted" with a more formal synonym, emphasizing a strong feeling of desire.

as I had hoped

Focuses on the expectation of a positive outcome that was successfully met.

in the way I intended

Highlights the intentional aspect of the action and its successful execution.

according to my expectations

Emphasizes that the result aligned with preconceived expectations.

just as I envisioned

Implies a clear mental picture of the desired outcome that was realized.

precisely as I planned

Highlights the accuracy and adherence to a predetermined plan.

to my satisfaction

Directly expresses contentment with the result or outcome.

as I anticipated

Indicates that the outcome was foreseen and subsequently materialized.

in the manner I preferred

Focuses on personal preference and the successful alignment with it.

the way I had imagined

Underscores the imaginative element and the fulfillment of that imagination.

FAQs

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

You can use "like I wanted" to show that something happened in accordance with your desires or expectations. For example, "I arranged the meeting for 3 PM, "like I wanted", to ensure everyone could attend."

What are some alternatives to "like I wanted"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "as I desired", "as I had hoped", or "in the way I intended".

Is it appropriate to use "like I wanted" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "like I wanted" might sound too informal for highly formal or academic contexts. In such cases, consider using more sophisticated synonyms such as "as I intended" or "in the manner I preferred".

What's the difference between "like I wanted" and "as I wanted"?

"Like I wanted" and "as I wanted" are often used interchangeably. However, "as I wanted" may sound slightly more formal. Both phrases are generally acceptable, but context and desired tone can influence the best choice.