want to know

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "want to know" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you would like to ask something or express a desire to understand something. For example: "I want to know why you made that decision."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

52 human-written examples

"I'd want to know".

The New Yorker

I want to know.

The New York Times

We all want to know".

The New Yorker

"We want to know tonight".

The New York Times

Their parents want to know.

The Economist

She did want to know.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

8 human-written examples

Audie wants to know.

The New Yorker

I wanted to know.

The New Yorker

Proust wanted to know.

The New Yorker

Baron wants to know.

The New Yorker

Everyone wants to know".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the tone of your writing when using "want to know". In formal settings, more polite alternatives like "would like to know" might be more appropriate.

Common error

Avoid using "want to know" excessively in formal writing. Opt for alternatives like "would like to know" or "I am interested in understanding" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "want to know" functions as a declarative expression indicating a desire for information. It is used to directly express curiosity or a need for understanding. As Ludwig AI indicates, this phrase is grammatically correct and widely employed.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Encyclopedias

6%

Reference

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "want to know" is a common and grammatically sound way to express a desire for information. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and broad applicability. While generally neutral in tone, it is important to consider the context and audience, as more formal alternatives like "would like to know" may be preferable in professional settings. The phrase frequently appears in News & Media and Science, reflecting its widespread use across various domains. Remember to use "want to know" when you have a genuine desire to understand or learn something, but be mindful of maintaining an appropriate level of formality in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

would like to know

Expresses a more polite or formal desire for information.

interested in knowing

Shows a personal interest in the information.

desire to understand

Emphasizes the pursuit of comprehension.

need to find out

Expresses a necessity to obtain information.

eager to learn

Highlights enthusiasm and eagerness in acquiring knowledge.

keen to discover

Implies a strong desire and enthusiasm for uncovering information.

am curious about

Indicates inquisitiveness regarding a specific topic.

seek to discover

Focuses on actively trying to find out or uncover something.

wish to ascertain

Highlights a formal or precise intention to find something out.

yearn to learn

Suggests a deep, almost emotional desire to acquire knowledge.

FAQs

How can I use "want to know" in a sentence?

You can use "want to know" to express a desire for information. For example, "I want to know why the project was delayed" or "They want to know what happened at the meeting".

What's a more formal way to say "want to know"?

In formal contexts, you can use phrases like "would like to know", "I am interested in understanding", or "I would be grateful to learn more about".

Is "want to know" grammatically correct?

Yes, "want to know" is grammatically correct and commonly used in English. However, consider the context and audience to ensure it's appropriate.

What's the difference between "want to know" and "need to know"?

"Want to know" expresses a desire for information, while "need to know" implies that the information is essential or required. The latter suggests a higher level of importance or necessity.