wanting things to be different

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "wanting things to be different" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing a desire for change or dissatisfaction with the current situation. Example: "She often finds herself wanting things to be different, wishing for a more fulfilling career."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

"It's this tendency we all have of wanting things to be different from how they are right now.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"There are enough good people out there, wanting things to be different, and that gives us so much hope".

Huffington Post

Both books triggered a hormonal response in my body and both left me wanting things to be different.

Huffington Post

I don't think I am the first parent of a child with special needs to feel that it is a very thin and fragile line between the unconditional love and acceptance of the child you have, and wanting things to be different.

Huffington Post

Or, you can choose to stop wanting things to be different, wanting other people to be different, wanting parts of yourself to be different and start learning how to live with the flow and to work with the changes and challenges that you will always encounter.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

She wants things to be different for her children.

The Guardian

I want things to be different for her".

The New York Times - Sports

"If you want things to be different, really different, you have to choose different.

The Guardian

"He might say, 'I know I might be a different person, but I want things to be different.

The New York Times

Talking of his own childhood made him cry, and he wants things to be different for them.

Independent

And there was one message I heard loud and clear on the doorstep: we want things to be different.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the phrase "wanting things to be different" to express a common human experience of dissatisfaction or a desire for change. It's suitable for both personal reflections and broader social commentary.

Common error

While generally acceptable, avoid using "wanting things to be different" excessively in highly formal or academic writing. Opt for more precise and sophisticated vocabulary to convey the intended meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "wanting things to be different" functions primarily as a gerund phrase, acting as a noun. It expresses a state of desiring change, often reflecting a sense of dissatisfaction or hope for improvement. The phrase appears in examples provided by Ludwig, demonstrating its common usage.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "wanting things to be different" is a grammatically correct and acceptable way to express a desire for change or improvement. Ludwig AI indicates its usage is common across various contexts, although more prevalent in News & Media and Wiki content. The phrase serves to convey dissatisfaction with the current state and hope for an alternative. While it may be overused in highly formal contexts, its neutral register makes it suitable for many situations. Alternatives like "desiring a different outcome" can provide a more formal tone when necessary.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

desiring a different outcome

Highlights the anticipation of results and the wish for an alternative.

desiring a shift in circumstances

Highlights the longing for a change in the surrounding conditions or situation.

wishing for a change

Focuses on the act of wishing, implying a passive desire for alteration.

longing for things to improve

Expresses a yearning specifically aimed at betterment and progress.

yearning for improvement

Emphasizes a deep longing for a better state or condition.

craving a different reality

Implies a strong desire for an alternative, possibly idealized, existence.

hoping for a transformation

Focuses on the expectation of a significant alteration or change.

seeking a better state of affairs

Highlights an active search or pursuit of improved conditions.

hankering for things to be better

Suggests a persistent and somewhat whimsical desire for improvement.

wishing for a different world

Broadens the scope to encompass a comprehensive alteration of the environment.

FAQs

How can I use "wanting things to be different" in a sentence?

You can use "wanting things to be different" to express a desire for change. For example: "Despite her success, she kept wanting things to be different, yearning for a more fulfilling career".

What's a more formal way to say "wanting things to be different"?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "desiring a different outcome" or "yearning for improvement", depending on the specific context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "wanting things to be different"?

Yes, "wanting things to be different" is grammatically correct and widely used in both spoken and written English.

When is it appropriate to use "wanting things to be different"?

It's appropriate when you want to convey a sense of dissatisfaction with the current situation and a desire for change. It works well in personal reflections, narrative writing, and even in discussions about societal issues.