she wanted that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "she wanted that" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a desire or wish for something specific that has been mentioned or implied in the context. Example: "After much consideration, she wanted that promotion more than anything else."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

37 human-written examples

"She wanted that job.

The New Yorker

She wanted that challenge".

The New York Times

She wanted that stable family unit.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

She wanted that sound burned into her synapses.

Nature

I knew I wanted a life partner and she wanted that for me too.

The New York Times

She wanted that, longing to return to the place where she and her husband grew up.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

23 human-written examples

Even if she does forgive him, does she want that forgiveness to be used to save his job?

The New York Times

Did she want that right?

BBC

"She wants that lion out of her life," Breitman said.

Los Angeles Times

Lacey said she wants that same kind of training to be mandatory for all police officers.

Los Angeles Times

She would drink the Milo (cocoa drink) in the bottle but when you give it to her in the pack she would have two or three sips and that is it, she want that bottle.

BMC Oral Health

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the nuance of the verb "want" – it can range from a simple preference to a deep longing. Choose this phrase when the level of desire aligns with the context.

Common error

Ensure that "that" has a clear and immediate reference in the preceding context. Avoid ambiguity by explicitly stating what "that" refers to, especially if there's any possibility of misinterpretation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "she wanted that" functions as a declarative statement expressing a past desire or intention. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. The subject "she" performs the action of "wanting" a specific object or outcome, represented by "that".

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Academia

13%

Science

11%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "she wanted that" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to describe a past desire or intention. Ludwig AI shows that this expression is particularly prevalent in News & Media, and also appears in academic and scientific writing. While generally neutral in tone, clarity is key to ensure "that" has a clear referent. When aiming for more formal language, alternatives like "she desired that" are appropriate. Use "she wanted that" to clearly and directly state a female subject's past desire, provided the context is clear and explicit.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

she had a desire for that

This alternative emphasizes the internal feeling of wanting, highlighting the personal longing for "that".

that was her desire

This alternative uses a more formal tone by employing "desire" instead of "wanted" and placing it as the main subject.

she was longing for that

This phrase expresses a deep sense of yearning and persistent desire for "that".

she yearned for that

Similar to longing, this indicates a deep and persistent desire, often with a sense of melancholy.

she craved that

This alternative suggests a strong, almost uncontrollable desire, implying a need or addiction.

that was her intention

This shifts the focus from wanting to intending, suggesting a planned action or goal.

she coveted that

This suggests a desire for something that belongs to someone else or is difficult to obtain.

that was what she needed

This shifts the focus from desire to necessity, implying that "that" was essential for her.

that was her aim

Similar to "that was her intention" but implies that reaching or getting "that" was a specific goal for her.

she was after that

This informal alternative suggests she was pursuing or trying to obtain "that".

FAQs

How can I rephrase "she wanted that" to sound more formal?

You can use more formal alternatives such as "she desired that", "that was her intention", or "she had a desire for that" depending on the context.

What does "that" refer to in the phrase "she wanted that"?

The word "that" refers to something previously mentioned or understood in the context. It's crucial to ensure clarity, so the audience knows exactly what "that" signifies. For example, if the previous sentence mentioned a promotion, "she wanted that" means she wanted the promotion.

Is "she wanted that" grammatically correct?

Yes, "she wanted that" is grammatically correct. It's a simple declarative sentence in the past tense, indicating a past desire. It follows standard subject-verb-object order.

What are some common mistakes to avoid when using "she wanted that"?

A common mistake is using "she wanted that" without a clear reference for "that". Always ensure the context makes it obvious what "that" refers to, to avoid confusion. For example, instead of "She saw the car and she wanted that", be more specific: "She saw the car and "she wanted that car"".