to be wanted

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to be wanted" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a desire for someone or something to be desired or needed by others. Example: "In this competitive job market, it is important for candidates to demonstrate their skills and qualities that make them to be wanted by employers."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

He is a wanted man who seems perfectly happy to be wanted.

The Guardian - Sport

It's nice to be wanted.

The New York Times - Sports

It's always nice to be wanted.

Independent

It was thrilling to be wanted.

The New York Times - Arts

It feels good to be wanted.

The New York Times

Still, sometimes it's nice to be wanted.

The New York Times - Arts

They were always grateful to be wanted.

The Washington Post

I just want to be wanted.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

We thus found cord care to be wanting.

BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth

Keep in mind, maybe the mother-to-be wanted 4 of an item and only 2 have been purchased.

WikiHow

"They were wanting to feel grown up.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Vary your language by using synonyms such as "to be desired" or "to be needed" to avoid repetition and add nuance to your writing.

Common error

While versatile, "to be wanted" can sound too emotional for strictly formal writing. In professional settings, consider stronger, more objective alternatives like "to be required" or "to be essential".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to be wanted" primarily functions as an infinitive phrase. According to Ludwig AI, it's used to express a state of being desired or needed by others. Many examples show the phrase describing personal feelings or desires.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Wiki

5%

Science

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "to be wanted" is a versatile infinitive phrase used to express the feeling of being desired or needed. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage. While it appears most frequently in news and media, its emotional tone makes it more appropriate for neutral or informal contexts than strictly formal writing. Consider synonyms like "to be desired" or "to be needed" to add nuance and avoid repetition. Remember, it's about expressing validation and belonging.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to be desired

Focuses more on the aspect of attraction and longing.

to be needed

Emphasizes the aspect of being essential or necessary.

to be sought after

Implies active pursuit and competition for someone or something.

to be in demand

Indicates high popularity and a strong need for someone or something.

to be valued

Highlights the importance and appreciation of someone or something.

to be appreciated

Focuses on the recognition of someone's worth or qualities.

to be cherished

Conveys a sense of deep affection and protection.

to be well-received

Focuses on the positive reaction and acceptance of someone or something.

to be welcome

Highlights the feeling of being gladly accepted or invited.

to be favored

Suggests being preferred or given preferential treatment.

FAQs

How can I use "to be wanted" in a sentence?

You can use "to be wanted" to express a feeling of being desired or needed, such as, "It's a great feeling to be wanted by a team" or "Everyone wants to be liked and likes "to be wanted"".

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

For more formal contexts, you might use alternatives like "to be required", "to be essential", or "to be in demand" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "to be wanted"?

Yes, "to be wanted" is grammatically correct. It functions as an infinitive phrase often used to express a desire or feeling of being valued or needed.

What's the difference between "to be wanted" and "to want"?

"To want" expresses the act of desiring something, while "to be wanted" describes the state of being desired by someone else. For example, "I want a new car" (I desire it), vs. "I want "to be wanted" by someone" (I desire to be desired by someone).