wanted him for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "wanted him for" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing a desire or intention to have someone for a specific purpose or role. Example: "The company wanted him for the position of lead developer due to his extensive experience."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

We wanted him for that.

Independent

"I wanted him for myself".

The New York Times

"I wanted him for the national team.

The New York Times

They wanted him for his taciturn leadership.

The New York Times - Sports

We all wanted him for ourselves.

The Guardian

South Africa has clearly wanted him for some time.

The New York Times - Sports

Conservation groups wanted him for this or that aquarium.

The New Yorker

Later Sullivan saw him perform in England, and said he wanted him for his show.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

"Chelsea want him for next season.

Independent

But I want him for the Yankees.

The New York Times

Why did Scorsese want him for his film?

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "wanted him for", ensure the context clearly indicates the specific purpose or role intended for the person. This avoids ambiguity and strengthens the sentence's clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "wanted him for" without specifying the reason or purpose. For instance, instead of saying "They wanted him for the team", specify, "They wanted him for the team because of his scoring ability."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "wanted him for" primarily functions as a verb phrase indicating a desire or intention to utilize someone for a specific purpose or role. This is supported by Ludwig AI, which validates its correct usage in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "wanted him for" is a common and grammatically correct way to express a desire or intention to have someone for a specific purpose or role. Ludwig AI confirms its validity, highlighting its frequent usage in news and media contexts. While generally neutral, it's important to provide specific context to ensure clarity. Consider alternatives like "needed him as" or "chose him for" depending on the nuance you aim to convey. Avoiding overgeneralization and specifying the reason are key best practices.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

chose him for

Focuses on the selection process and the reason behind it.

picked him for

Similar to "chose him for" but slightly more informal.

needed him as

Highlights a necessity for the person in a specific capacity.

recruited him for

Highlights a formal or strategic effort to bring the person in.

desired him to be

Focuses on the aspiration of the person's future role or state.

intended for him to

Highlights the pre-planned assignment or purpose of the person.

earmarked him for

Suggests that the person was pre-selected or designated for a specific role.

sought him out for

Emphasizes the active search and selection of the person.

reserved him for

Emphasizes setting the person aside specifically for something.

had designs on him for

Implies a plan or intention for the person's involvement.

FAQs

How can I use "wanted him for" in a sentence?

You can use "wanted him for" to express a desire or intention to have someone for a particular role or purpose, such as, "The coach "wanted him for" his strategic skills."

What are some alternatives to "wanted him for"?

Alternatives include phrases like "needed him as", "chose him for", or "recruited him for", depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "wanted him for" or should I use a different tense?

The phrase ""wanted him for"" is grammatically correct in the past tense. Ensure the tense aligns with the timeline of your narrative. For example, "They want him for" (present tense) or "They will want him for" (future tense) are also valid.

What's the difference between "wanted him for" and "needed him for"?

"Wanted him for" implies a desire or preference, whereas "needed him for" suggests a requirement or necessity. The choice depends on whether you're expressing a preference or a need.