wanting to

USAGE SUMMARY

"wanting to" is a correct phrase in written English.
It is used as an auxiliary verb to express the speaker's intention to do something. Example: I am wanting to go to the beach this weekend.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Not wanting to ask.

The New York Times - Books

Same wanting to die".

The New York Times

Wanting to go with me?

The New York Times

Wanting to end a bloodline?

Independent

A not wanting to transgress?

The New York Times

And not wanting to commit.

The New Yorker

They're smart wanting to diversify".

The New York Times

Wanting to be alone.

Harvard University

A not wanting to hurt, I think.

The New York Times

"Paul lost himself in wanting to help".

The New Yorker

I leaned forward, really wanting to know.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "wanting to" to express a desire or intention. It is often followed by a verb to indicate the action you wish to perform, such as "wanting to learn" or "wanting to help".

Common error

While grammatically correct, excessive use of "wanting to" can sound informal or repetitive in professional or academic writing. Consider stronger verbs or rephrasing for a more impactful tone. For example, instead of "wanting to achieve", try "aiming to achieve" or "intending to achieve".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "wanting to" functions as a gerund phrase, where "wanting" acts as a verb form that can function as a noun. It is used to express a state of desire or intention towards a subsequent action, as supported by Ludwig and its diverse examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Science

23%

Wiki

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Academia

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "wanting to" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase for expressing desires and intentions. As Ludwig AI confirms, it fits seamlessly into numerous contexts, predominantly in news and media, science, and wiki environments. While its versatility is undeniable, remember that in more formal settings, stronger alternatives like "intending to" or "desiring to" might lend a more polished tone. By keeping these nuances in mind, you can wield "wanting to" with precision and confidence, ensuring your writing remains both clear and contextually appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

desiring to

Replaces "wanting" with a more formal synonym, emphasizing a strong feeling of desire.

wishing to

Similar to "wanting", but can imply a more passive or less determined inclination.

intending to

Focuses on the planned or purposed nature of the action.

aiming to

Implies a goal or objective that is being pursued.

planning to

Highlights the preparatory steps taken before an action.

yearning to

Conveys a deep longing or intense desire.

inclined to

Suggests a tendency or predisposition toward something.

disposed to

Similar to "inclined to", but can imply a more formal or considered decision.

eager to

Expresses enthusiasm and anticipation for an action.

longing to

Implies a wistful or sentimental desire.

FAQs

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

"Wanting to" is used to express a desire or intention. For example, "I'm wanting to improve my writing skills" or "She is wanting to travel the world".

What are some alternatives to "wanting to"?

You can use alternatives like "desiring to", "wishing to", or "intending to" depending on the context.

Is there a difference between "wanting to" and "wishing to"?

While similar, "wanting to" generally implies a stronger desire or intention than "wishing to", which can suggest a more passive or less determined inclination.

When is it best to avoid using "wanting to"?

In very formal or academic writing, consider using stronger or more concise alternatives to "wanting to" for a more impactful tone. Alternatives include phrases like "aiming to" or "intending to".