wanted to solve

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "wanted to solve" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing a desire or intention to find a solution to a problem or challenge in the past. Example: "She wanted to solve the mystery of the missing documents before the deadline."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

52 human-written examples

That was what we wanted to solve".

The Guardian

We wanted to solve this problem once and for all.

The New York Times

"I wanted to solve the problems of the product.

The New York Times

There were a few more mysteries he wanted to solve.

The New York Times - Magazine

"He wanted to make money, he wanted to solve problems," said Mr. Serkin, his former classmate.

The New York Times

The bases were loaded, and Burnett wanted to solve his own problems.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

7 human-written examples

They want to solve problems.

The New York Times

We want to solve it".

The New York Times

We want to solve the problem.

The New York Times - Magazine

Now everybody wants to solve it.

The New York Times - Sports

We want to solve it," he said.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "wanted to solve", ensure the context clearly indicates what problem or challenge was being addressed. This provides clarity and avoids ambiguity for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "wanted to solve" when the intention is merely to understand or explore a topic, rather than finding a concrete solution. Use "wanted to understand" or "wanted to explore" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "wanted to solve" primarily functions as a verb phrase indicating a past desire or intention to find a solution to a problem. Ludwig examples showcase its usage in various contexts, emphasizing a proactive approach to addressing challenges.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

72%

Science

14%

Formal & Business

14%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "wanted to solve" is a versatile and commonly used expression indicating a past intention to resolve a problem or find a solution. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and frequently used in news, science, and business contexts. When using this phrase, ensure clarity about the problem being addressed. For formal settings, consider alternatives such as "aimed to resolve" or "sought to rectify". Be mindful not to use it when the intent is merely exploration rather than finding a concrete solution.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

aimed to resolve

Indicates a specific target or intention to bring something to a conclusion.

sought to rectify

Implies correcting something that is wrong or unjust.

desired to fix

Suggests a more practical and hands-on approach to resolving an issue.

had the intention of solving

Formally states a prior plan or purpose to find a solution.

were keen to solve

Emphasizes enthusiasm and eagerness to find a solution.

took action to solve

Focuses on the actions taken to resolve something.

endeavored to solve

Highlights the effort and determination put into finding a solution.

had a desire to solve

Directly expresses a longing or wish to solve a problem.

made an effort to solve

Highlights the investment of energy and resources to solve something.

worked towards a solution

Implies continuous and sustained effort to resolve something.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "wanted to solve" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "aimed to resolve", "sought to rectify", or "endeavored to solve depending on the context".

What's the difference between "tried to solve" and "wanted to solve"?

"Tried to solve" implies an attempt was made, while "wanted to solve" only indicates a desire or intention, regardless of whether an attempt occurred.

Is it correct to say "I want to solve" instead of "I wanted to solve"?

Yes, both are grammatically correct, but they refer to different time frames. "I want to solve" indicates a present desire, while "I wanted to solve" refers to a past desire.

What are some common problems people "wanted to solve"?

Based on Ludwig examples, people "wanted to solve" problems related to business, technology, social issues, and personal challenges.