wanting to acquire

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "wanting to acquire" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing a desire or intention to obtain something. Example: "She has been wanting to acquire new skills to advance her career."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science & Research

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

It is no longer a free contest where the vendor takes his chances and the buyer fights off spontaneous competitors equally wanting to acquire the work.

The New York Times - Arts

Most collectors pursue less ambitious goals, merely wanting to acquire every first edition by an author or every denomination of a stamp, and love putting the last piece into place.Some people think the urge to collect may be related to man's origin as a hunter-gatherer.

The Economist

Given Microsoft's stated position of not wanting to acquire Yahoo!, the election of Mr. Icahn's slate could result in substantial erosion of stockholder value.

Forbes

At the same time, Koppenhöfer, as product manager, initiated and supervised LION's e-learning product aimed at life scientists wanting to acquire knowledge in bioinformatics.

Science Magazine

For example, many business owners will contact Luque as their brands are starting to do well and they find themselves wanting to acquire copyrights, trademarks, or negotiate work-for-hire agreements.

Vice

We observed, especially during the burst of the dot-com bubble in the 90s, the rush to buy domains some generic and others more specific that were not necessarily purchased to host any kind of content right away, but instead bought specifically in order to capitalize on the interest of other companies or individuals potentially wanting to acquire them in the future.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

Who would want to acquire Yahoo?

The Guardian - Tech

What car do you want to acquire next?

The New York Times

Apollo Tyres still wants to acquire Cooper Tire and Rubber.

The New York Times

People also want to acquire foreign currency to make investments.

The New York Times

Unless, of course, Madrid wants to acquire a worldwide following.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "wanting to acquire", ensure that the context clearly indicates what is being desired and why. Providing specific details enhances clarity and impact.

Common error

Avoid using "wanting to acquire" in highly formal or academic writing where more precise or sophisticated language might be expected. Consider using alternatives like "desiring to obtain" or "seeking to procure" in those contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "wanting to acquire" functions as a gerund phrase, often acting as a noun in a sentence. Ludwig examples show it expressing a desire or intention to obtain something. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science & Research

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "wanting to acquire" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase expressing a desire or intention to obtain something. While Ludwig identifies it as valid, it's more common in news and media than in strictly formal contexts. Alternatives such as "desiring to obtain" may be more appropriate for academic or highly formal writing. This analysis, drawing from Ludwig's examples, emphasizes the importance of context and register when choosing the most effective language. When writing, be specific about the object of the desire and consider the level of formality required for your audience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

looking to acquire

Similar in meaning, but with a slightly more exploratory or investigative tone.

intending to get

Simple and direct alternative focusing on the planned action.

desiring to obtain

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

planning to obtain

Focuses on the planned action of getting something.

seeking to gain

Focuses on the action of attempting to get something, rather than just the desire.

eager to acquire

Highlights enthusiasm and eagerness in the acquisition process.

aiming to procure

Implies a specific goal of getting something, often through effort.

inclined to acquire

Suggests a predisposition or tendency toward acquisition.

wishing to secure

Highlights the intention of making something certain or safe by obtaining it.

hoping to gain possession of

Emphasizes the desire for ownership or control.

FAQs

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

"Wanting to acquire" expresses a desire or intention to obtain something. For example, "Many students are "wanting to acquire" new skills for better job opportunities".

What are some alternatives to "wanting to acquire"?

You can use alternatives such as "desiring to obtain", "seeking to gain", or "intending to get", depending on the specific context.

Is it more appropriate to use "wanting to acquire" or "desiring to acquire" in formal writing?

"Desiring to acquire" is generally more appropriate for formal writing due to its more sophisticated tone, while ""wanting to acquire"" is suitable for general use.

What's the difference between "wanting to acquire" and "needing to acquire"?

"Wanting to acquire" implies a desire or wish, while "needing to acquire" indicates a necessity. The former suggests a preference, while the latter suggests a requirement.