wanting to learn

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "wanting to learn" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a desire or eagerness to acquire knowledge or skills. Example: "She is always wanting to learn new things, which makes her a great asset to the team."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

He's O.K. with wanting to learn".

The New York Times - Sports

He was always wanting to learn more about music".

The Guardian - Music

"I get emails like this everyday, [people] wanting to learn.

The Guardian - Business

Nor does he show any sign of wanting to learn.

The Guardian

After every class, I came out wanting to learn more.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

But you also want to leave them wanting to learn more".

The New York Times

But it may be a bigger problem for teenagers growing up wanting to learn about sex".

Independent

I think that real giving starts with caring about others and wanting to learn more.

The New York Times

Daytimes were spent with a hilarious mixed crowd of surfers wanting to learn yoga and yogis wanting to learn to surf.

The Guardian - Travel

"In discussions with Al, I'm always fascinated with his wanting to learn.

The New York Times - Sports

Enthusiasts wanting to learn have come from as far afield as Germany, they said.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "wanting to learn", ensure the context clearly indicates what the subject desires to learn. Specificity enhances clarity and prevents ambiguity. For example, instead of saying "They are wanting to learn", say "They are wanting to learn Spanish".

Common error

Avoid using "wanting to learn" when a simple infinitive phrase is more appropriate. For instance, instead of "He is wanting to learn", consider "He wants to learn" for a more concise expression, unless you specifically need the continuous aspect.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "wanting to learn" functions as a gerund phrase, often acting as a noun within a sentence. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and indicates a state of desiring knowledge or skill acquisition. It commonly modifies other nouns or verbs, describing a characteristic or motivation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

51%

Academia

22%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Science

10%

Formal & Business

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "wanting to learn" is a grammatically correct and commonly used gerund phrase that expresses a desire or motivation to acquire knowledge or skills. Ludwig AI validates its correctness, and its widespread use across various contexts—including News & Media, Academia, and Science—underscores its versatility. While "wanting to learn" is generally appropriate, alternative phrases like "eager to learn" or "desiring to learn" can provide nuanced expressions of the same core concept. Remember to be specific about the subject you want to learn to enhance clarity and avoid overusing the continuous tense when a simple infinitive is more appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

desiring to learn

Replaces "wanting" with "desiring", providing a more formal tone while maintaining the core meaning.

eager to learn

Substitutes "wanting" with "eager", emphasizing enthusiasm and anticipation in learning.

having a desire to learn

Adds a more descriptive and emphatic structure, highlighting the presence of a strong desire.

keen to learn

Replaces "wanting" with "keen", suggesting enthusiasm and eagerness.

seeking to learn

Emphasizes the active pursuit and search for knowledge.

with a thirst for knowledge

Uses a metaphorical expression to convey a strong and compelling desire to learn.

motivated to learn

Emphasizes the internal drive and motivation behind the desire to learn.

showing an interest in learning

Focuses on the demonstration of interest in acquiring knowledge.

aspiring to learn

Highlights the ambition and aspirational nature of the learning process.

inclined to learn

Suggests a natural tendency or predisposition toward learning.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "wanting to learn" to sound more formal?

To achieve a more formal tone, you can use phrases such as "desiring to learn", "seeking to learn", or "having a desire to learn" depending on the context.

What's a more casual way to say "wanting to learn"?

For a more casual expression, consider using phrases like "eager to learn", or "keen to learn".

Is there a difference between "wanting to learn" and "willing to learn"?

Yes, "wanting to learn" implies a desire or eagerness to acquire knowledge, whereas "willing to learn" suggests an openness and readiness to be taught or to gain experience. Willingness focuses more on acceptance and cooperation, while wanting emphasizes intrinsic motivation.

How to use "wanting to learn" correctly in a sentence?

Ensure that the subject of the sentence is clearly identified and that the verb tense is consistent. For example: "She is always "wanting to learn" new things", or "Students "wanting to learn" more about science should attend the lecture".