list of wants

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "list of wants" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a compilation of desires or needs, often in contexts like goal-setting or wish lists. Example: "For my birthday, I created a list of wants to help my friends know what I would like to receive."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

Liverpool want £16m for Joe Allen, which can probably be filed under the Junior Soprano/Angie Dickinson list of wants.

The Guardian - Sport

Mr Coutts also detailed how Lady Gaga had to fly five helicopters onto the island to cater for all the "Gaga lookalikes" and how Charlie Sheen's "exhaustive list of wants" made him his most demanding client.

Independent

He did, however, have a long list of wants and needs, including a high floor, a decent view, high ceilings (but not popcorn ceilings), an open kitchen, a washer-dryer and a location below 30th Street and between Third and Ninth Avenues.

The New York Times

Your list of "wants" is trickier to manage.

Forbes

Given the list of "wants" and "don't wants," it seems to me that I'm rather picky.

Science Magazine

Your list of "wants" can also serve as a universal wish list of sorts, and your personal link can be shared to Facebook or via email, if you choose.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

It seems they have a list of wanted people.

The Guardian

So the two go on the run, and Dial finds herself joining Che's father on the F.B.I.'s list of wanted fugitives.

The New Yorker

"There is no agreement and no list of wanted Palestinians," snapped the Palestinian Authority's information minister, Yasser Abed Rabbo.Mr Arafat was less euphoric.

The Economist

Typically, the greatest number of calls comes in response to news coverage of a specific crime or a weekly list of wanted suspects.

The New York Times

The killing of Saleh Ali Nabhan, a leader of al-Shabab, in Somalia yesterday dramatically reduced the list of wanted terrorist individuals in the country.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use a "list of wants" as a tool for self-reflection, identifying underlying motivations and values.

Common error

Avoid treating a "list of wants" as a list of necessities. Clearly distinguish between what you desire and what you genuinely require to ensure realistic planning and avoid disappointment.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "list of wants" functions as a noun phrase, identifying a compilation of desired items or experiences. Examples from Ludwig show it used in various contexts, from personal desires to professional settings, aligning with Ludwig's confirmation of its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Wiki

27%

Huffington Post

21%

Less common in

The Guardian

3%

Forbes

1%

Encyclopedia Britannica

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "list of wants" is a commonly used and grammatically correct expression for compiling desires. As verified by Ludwig, it appears in various contexts from personal to professional settings. While alternatives like "wish list" or "inventory of aspirations" may be more appropriate in certain situations, "list of wants" serves as a versatile term for organizing and communicating one's desires. When creating such a list, it is helpful to categorize items by priority and to distinguish between wants and needs. In summary, the phrase is widely understood and applicable in a broad range of communication scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

wish list

A more common and slightly less formal term for a list of desired items or experiences.

catalog of desires

Emphasizes a comprehensive and detailed compilation of wishes.

inventory of aspirations

Focuses on goals and ambitions rather than immediate needs or wants.

compendium of needs

Highlights essential requirements, which might be distinct from mere wants.

agenda of ambitions

Suggests a planned set of goals one is actively pursuing.

registry of preferences

Implies a documented record of individual tastes and choices.

schedule of cravings

Conveys a sense of strong desires or urges.

portfolio of longings

Evokes a collection of deep and persistent desires.

roll of expectations

Refers to anticipated outcomes or things one hopes to receive.

record of yearnings

Emphasizes heartfelt desires and wishes.

FAQs

How can I use "list of wants" in a sentence?

You can use "list of wants" to describe a compilation of desires. For example: "She created a "list of wants" for her birthday", or "The company compiled a "list of wants" from its employees to improve workplace satisfaction".

What is a good alternative to "list of wants"?

Alternatives include "wish list", which is a more common term, or "catalog of desires" if you want to emphasize a comprehensive collection.

Is there a difference between a "list of wants" and a "list of needs"?

Yes, a "list of wants" includes desires that are not essential, while a "list of needs" focuses on items or conditions necessary for survival or well-being. Confusing the two can lead to unrealistic expectations or poor resource allocation.

Can "list of wants" be used in formal writing?

While "list of wants" is generally acceptable, in formal contexts, consider using more precise terms like "inventory of aspirations" or "registry of preferences" depending on the specific meaning you intend to convey.