wanting to become

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "wanting to become" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing a desire or aspiration to achieve a certain status or role. Example: "She has always had a passion for art, wanting to become a renowned painter one day."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"He asked me, 'When did all these kids stop wanting to become athletes, and start wanting to become us?' " John Wolfson is a Boston-based freelance writer.

The New Yorker

No one begins sports wanting to become rich.

The New York Times

"He asked me, 'When did all these kids stop wanting to become athletes, and start wanting to become us?' ".

The New Yorker

Focus on quality over quantity when explaining your reasons for wanting to become a doctor.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

In principle, antiretroviral therapy (ART) would be reviewed in treated women wanting to become pregnant in nearly all centres.

European Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology and Reproductive Biology

By age 11, he'd started talking about wanting to become a police officer.

The Washington Post

Eventually, that led to my passion for cities and wanting to become an architect.

The New York Times - Magazine

Eventually I acknowledged that wanting to become a doctor wasn't real".

The Guardian

Bridgette A. Wimberly did not grow up wanting to become a playwright.

The New York Times

"But they are also wanting to become more cosmopolitan, open-minded people — citizens of the world".

The New Yorker

John Reed grew up in Virginia wanting to become a doctor.

The New York Times - Science

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "wanting to become" to clearly express a subject's aspiration or ambition. It's suitable for both formal and informal contexts, emphasizing a direction of growth or transformation.

Common error

Ensure clarity by explicitly stating who is "wanting to become" something. Avoid vague pronoun references that could confuse the reader about the subject's intent.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "wanting to become" functions as a gerund phrase, often serving as a noun. It describes a state of desiring a transformation or a future role. Examples on Ludwig showcase its use in expressing aspirations and ambitions, consistent with Ludwig AI's analysis.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

17%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Academia

7%

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "wanting to become" is a versatile gerund phrase used to express aspirations and desires for future roles or states. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across various contexts. While suitable for both formal and informal writing, ensure clarity by explicitly stating the subject. Consider alternatives like "aspiring to become" or "aiming to become" to fine-tune your message. According to Ludwig, it is most frequently found in News & Media sources. Avoid pronoun ambiguity to ensure your meaning is clear.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

aspiring to become

Highlights ambition and a strong desire for a particular outcome.

trying to become

Suggests an attempt or experiment toward a certain state.

aiming to become

Focuses on having a specific objective or target in mind.

desiring to become

Formally expresses a strong feeling of wanting something.

striving to become

Emphasizes effort and dedication towards achieving a goal.

intending to become

Suggests a plan or purpose with a degree of certainty.

wishing to become

Indicates a hopeful desire, often with a sense of longing.

seeking to become

Implies actively searching or pursuing a particular role or identity.

hoping to become

Suggests a degree of uncertainty with a positive expectation.

planning to become

Focuses on preparation and strategic steps towards a goal.

FAQs

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

You can use "wanting to become" to express someone's ambition or desire to transform into a particular role or state. For example, "She is "wanting to become" a doctor" or "He grew up "wanting to become" a professional athlete".

What are some alternatives to "wanting to become"?

Alternatives include "aspiring to become", "aiming to become", or "desiring to become", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is "wanting to become" formal or informal?

"Wanting to become" is generally considered appropriate for both formal and informal contexts. Its suitability depends more on the surrounding language and the overall tone of your writing.

How does "wanting to become" differ from "wishing to become"?

"Wanting to become" implies a stronger sense of intent and motivation than "wishing to become". While both express a desire, "wanting" suggests a more active pursuit of the goal, whereas "wishing" can indicate a more passive longing.