wanted to try

USAGE SUMMARY

The part of the sentence "wanted to try" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to someone's desire to try out something new. Example sentence: I wanted to try a different style of painting, so I decided to experiment with a few colors.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

So I wanted to try.

The New York Times

I wanted to try.

The New York Times - Science

"I wanted to try them out.

The New York Times - Sports

I just wanted to try something different".

The New York Times

Grimaud wanted to try something stouter.

The New Yorker

I wanted to try it.

The Guardian

I wanted to try something".

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

Want to try it?

Harvard University

I want to try this".

Independent

They want to try it".

The New Yorker

He wants to try, though.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "wanted to try", ensure the context clearly indicates what was desired to be tried. Adding specific details enhances clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "wanted to try" without specifying the object or action. Saying "I wanted to try" without further explanation leaves the reader wondering what you intended to attempt.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "wanted to try" functions as a verb phrase indicating a past desire or intention to attempt or experience something. It expresses a subject's inclination towards an action or activity. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

95%

Formal & Business

2%

Wiki

2%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Science

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "wanted to try" is a versatile verb phrase used to express a past desire or intention to attempt something. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness, and it appears frequently in news and media contexts. When using this phrase, it's important to provide clear context to avoid ambiguity. Alternative phrases like "desired to attempt" or "wished to experience" can add nuance to your writing. Avoid using the phrase without a specific object or action to maintain clarity and ensure effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

desired to attempt

Emphasizes a more formal or strong feeling of wanting to make an attempt.

wished to experience

Focuses on the desire to have a specific experience.

felt inclined to try

Suggests a leaning or predisposition towards trying something.

was eager to test

Highlights enthusiasm and anticipation for testing something out.

had a hankering to try

Indicates a craving or strong desire to try something, often something new or different.

took a notion to try

Implies a sudden impulse or whim to try something.

yearned to undertake

Expresses a deep longing to embark on a particular endeavor.

was keen to attempt

Highlights a strong interest and willingness to try something.

set out to experiment

Focuses on initiating an experiment with a clear intention.

entertained the idea of trying

Suggests considering or thinking about trying something without necessarily committing to it.

FAQs

What are some alternative ways to express "wanted to try"?

You can use alternatives like "desired to attempt", "wished to experience", or "felt inclined to try" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "wanted to try"?

Yes, "wanted to try" is grammatically correct. It is a common and acceptable way to express a past desire or intention to attempt something.

In what contexts is "wanted to try" most appropriately used?

"Wanted to try" is versatile and can be used in many contexts, from informal conversations to more formal writing. It's particularly suitable when discussing personal experiences or intentions.

How can I make my use of "wanted to try" more specific?

Follow "wanted to try" with a clear and specific description of what you intended to attempt. For example, instead of "I wanted to try", say "I wanted to try snowboarding".