wanted to be able

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "wanted to be able" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing a desire or intention to gain a certain ability or capability in the past. Example: "She wanted to be able to speak multiple languages fluently."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

"I wanted to be able to sit".

The New York Times

They wanted to be able to experiment.

The Guardian - Opinion

"I wanted to be able to use my speed".

The New York Times - Sports

"I wanted to be able to tell my children".

The New York Times - Health

And she wanted to be able to experiment.

The New York Times

"They wanted to be able to express themselves".

The New York Times

He wanted to be able to walk to classes.

The New York Times

I just wanted to be able to plan a picnic.

The Guardian - Film

Allan: We wanted to be able to wear jeans.

The New York Times - Travel

"I wanted to be able to cover a large canvas".

The New York Times

Adams always wanted to be able to give something back.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To add precision, follow "wanted to be able" with a specific verb that precisely describes the intended outcome, creating a robust and clear message.

Common error

Avoid using "wanted to be able" without specifying what ability is desired. For instance, instead of "They wanted to be able", specify, "They wanted to be able to compete effectively".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "wanted to be able" functions as an infinitive phrase expressing a past desire for a specific capability or opportunity. It often introduces a verb that clarifies the desired action, as shown by Ludwig with numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Science

14%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "wanted to be able" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed phrase used to express a prior desire for a specific capability. According to Ludwig, the expression is most commonly used in news and media, although it also sees use in scientific and professional environments. When using this phrase, make sure you follow it by a verb or verb phrase specifying the ability being desired to avoid ambiguity. Consider alternatives such as "desired the capacity to" or "aimed to acquire the ability to" in more formal contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

had a desire to be capable of

Rephrases the desire in terms of being "capable" or competent.

desired the capacity to

Replaces "wanted" with a more formal "desired" and uses "capacity" instead of "ability".

aimed to acquire the ability to

Highlights the intention to obtain a certain ability through effort or learning.

wished for the opportunity to

Focuses on the "opportunity" aspect of being able to do something, rather than pure ability.

longed to have the power to

Emphasizes the "power" or control gained from the ability.

yearned for the skill to

Emphasizes a deep longing for a specific skill.

set out to develop the skill to

Focuses on the active process of "developing" a skill.

felt a need to be empowered to

Stresses the feeling of needing empowerment to accomplish something.

sought the means to

Indicates a search or quest for the necessary resources or methods to achieve something.

was striving to gain the aptitude to

Highlights the effort involved in gaining "aptitude" or natural talent.

FAQs

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

Use "wanted to be able" to express a past desire for a specific capability. For example, "She "wanted to be able to speak French" fluently before her trip".

What are some alternatives to "wanted to be able"?

Alternatives include phrases like "desired the capacity to", "wished for the opportunity to", or "aimed to acquire the ability to", depending on the nuance you want to convey. For example, "He "desired the capacity to lead" the team effectively".

Is there a difference between "wanted to be able" and "wished to be able"?

While both express a desire, "wished to be able" often implies a stronger sense of longing or perhaps unattainability compared to "wanted to be able", which is a more straightforward expression of desire. For example, "She "wished to be able to fly", but knew it was impossible".

When is it appropriate to use "wanted to be able" in formal writing?

"Wanted to be able" is generally suitable for most contexts. However, in highly formal writing, consider alternatives such as "desired the capacity to" or "sought the means to" for a more elevated tone. For example, "The organization "sought the means to improve efficiency" across all departments".