wanted a beginning

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "wanted a beginning" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing a desire for a starting point or initial phase in a narrative, project, or situation. Example: "After years of uncertainty, she finally wanted a beginning to her new life, free from the past."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

"The Vatican wanted a beginning," he thinks, "and the Big Bang provided one".

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

"Fred Hoyle started the steady state theory as I understand it, as an anti-religious move because he didn't want a beginning to the universe, which means he didn't understand his theology too well," Ellis says.

The Guardian

When he returned, he also wanted a new beginning.

The New York Times

We wanted a dynamic beginning that would reflect the vitality of Benedita da Silva and life in her shantytown neighborhood above Rio's famous beaches.

The New York Times

He wanted "a new beginning, to see something beautiful".

Vice

We want a new beginning where people will be protected from corruption, from the monopolists selling energy at impossible prices, or foreign supermarket chains suffocating local production.

BBC

They wanted a townhouse and reflexively began looking in the same general neighborhood as their loft.

The New York Times

Xuela knew that Madame Labatte wanted a child and she began to think that she wanted Xuela to have a child for her.

The New Yorker

Felton wanted an early start to begin learning Coach Mike Woodson's offense.

The New York Times - Sports

Nobody wants a bleary-eyed beginning doctor, numb after extraordinarily long hours without rest, to be making critical medical decisions or performing surgical procedures.

The New York Times

Still wanting a challenge, she began work in accounts for the Otis Elevator Company.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using more evocative synonyms like "craved a fresh start" or "longed for a commencement" to add depth and emotional resonance to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "wanted a beginning" repetitively in close proximity. Vary your language by incorporating synonyms to maintain reader engagement and prevent monotony.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "wanted a beginning" functions primarily as a verb phrase expressing a desire for a new commencement or starting point. It consists of the verb 'wanted' in the past tense, followed by a noun phrase.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

17%

Science

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "wanted a beginning" is a grammatically correct phrase used to express the desire for a fresh start or initiation. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. While not exceedingly common, it finds usage across diverse contexts, particularly in News & Media. When using the phrase, ensure clarity and consider synonyms to enrich your writing. The phrase has a neutral register, making it appropriate for various situations. Top sources include The New York Times and The New Yorker.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

craved a fresh start

Highlights the desire for a new beginning, leaving behind the past.

needed a starting point

Highlights the necessity of having a point from which to begin.

sought an initial phase

Emphasizes the earliest stage or period of a process or project.

desired a jumpstart

Implies wanting a quick or energetic beginning.

desired an origin

Focuses on the starting point or source of something.

yearned for a kickoff

Emphasizes the initiation or commencement of an event or activity.

longed for a commencement

Stresses the act or time of beginning something.

wished for a genesis

Implies a strong desire for the creation or origin of something.

aimed for an inception

Focuses on the establishment or starting point of an organization or activity.

hankered for a dawning

Suggests a longing for the emergence or beginning of something new.

FAQs

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

You can use "wanted a beginning" to express a desire for a new start or initiation in a situation. For instance, "After the difficult chapter, she "wanted a beginning" where she could redefine herself".

What are some alternatives to "wanted a beginning"?

Some alternatives include "craved a fresh start", "desired an origin", or "needed a starting point". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it more correct to say "wanted a beginning" or "desired to begin"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but they carry slightly different connotations. "Wanted a beginning" emphasizes the desire for a new initial state, while "desired to begin" focuses on the act of starting something. It depends on which aspect you wish to emphasize.

How does "wanted a beginning" differ from "needed a beginning"?

"Wanted a beginning" expresses a desire or wish for a fresh start, suggesting a more emotional or subjective motivation. "Needed a beginning", on the other hand, implies a necessity or requirement for a new start, suggesting a more practical or objective reason.