wanting something

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "wanting something" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a desire or longing for a particular object, experience, or outcome. Example: "She found herself wanting something more from life than just a routine job."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Wanting something new.

The Guardian - Music

Each of us wanting something separate".

The New York Times - Arts

"So much wanting something," she sings.

The New Yorker

"We were wanting something good to come out of it".

The New York Times

It's about wanting something with a bit of soul.

Independent

But he entered the December summit wanting something in return.

The Guardian - Opinion

"It was about wanting something to be real".

The Guardian - Music

"It's beautiful to have this passion of wanting something.

The New York Times - Arts

"I think Richard Caring [the owner] was perhaps wanting something like level par to win.

Independent

Basically, rather than just wanting something to happen, make it happen – planning, downsides, sacrifices and all.

Independent

I remember seeing a McDonald's and just sprinting to the McDonald's, just wanting something American.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "wanting something" to convey a general desire or longing. For specific desires, consider stronger verbs like "craving" or "yearning" for more impact.

Common error

In formal contexts, avoid overuse of "wanting something". Opt for more precise language like "desiring", "requiring", or "seeking" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "wanting something" primarily functions as a gerund phrase, where the verb "wanting" acts as a noun. This is consistent with Ludwig AI's assessment and usage examples, where the phrase frequently serves as the subject or object of a sentence.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

87%

Science

6%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "wanting something" is a grammatically sound and frequently used gerund phrase that conveys desire or longing. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and widespread applicability. While versatile, it's essential to consider context and choose more precise language in formal settings. Predominantly found in news and media, it's crucial to remember ""wanting something"" can be effectively replaced with synonyms like "desiring something" or "needing something" to add nuance or formality to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

desiring something

Replaces "wanting" with a more formal synonym, emphasizing a deeper level of longing.

needing something

Shifts the focus from desire to necessity, implying a requirement rather than a preference.

wishing for something

Highlights the aspirational aspect of desire, suggesting a hope for fulfillment.

craving something

Emphasizes a strong, often urgent, desire, suggesting a powerful emotional drive.

longing for something

Conveys a deep, persistent yearning, often associated with a sense of absence.

yearning for something

Similar to "longing for", but with a slightly more intense emotional tone.

hankering for something

Indicates a casual, whimsical desire, often for a specific treat or experience.

pursuing something

Emphasizes the active effort to obtain something, rather than the passive desire.

seeking something

Highlights the act of searching or looking for something, implying a quest or investigation.

aiming for something

Suggests a goal-oriented desire, focusing on achieving a specific objective.

FAQs

What can I say instead of "wanting something"?

You can use alternatives like "desiring something", "needing something", or "wishing for something" depending on the context.

Is "wanting something" grammatically correct?

Yes, "wanting something" is grammatically correct and commonly used in English. It functions as a gerund phrase, where "wanting" acts as a verb functioning as a noun.

How can I use "wanting something" in a sentence?

You can use "wanting something" as the subject, object, or complement of a sentence. For example, "Wanting something more drove her to succeed.", or "She admitted to "wanting something" different."

What's the difference between "wanting something" and "needing something"?

"Wanting something" implies a desire or preference, while "needing something" suggests a requirement or necessity. The latter carries a stronger sense of obligation or lack.