wanting to win

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "wanting to win" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing a desire or aspiration to achieve victory in a competition or challenge. Example: "Her wanting to win the championship motivated her to train harder than ever before."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Always wanting to win.

The New York Times - Sports

Everyone took the field wanting to win.

Independent

I understand the allure of not wanting to win.

Independent

"In wanting to win everything, we risk losing everything".

The New York Times - Sports

She was motivated by competition, by wanting to win.

The New York Times

He wakes up every day wanting to win.

The New York Times - Sports

"Everyone was really up, really wanting to win this one".

The New York Times - Sports

Earnhardt had his special reasons for wanting to win today.

The New York Times - Sports

We both came here wanting to win the Cup.

The New York Times - Sports

There was more to it than just wanting to win.

The Guardian - Sport

What Lombardi actually said was "Winning isn't everything, but wanting to win is".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "wanting to win" to convey a sense of motivation and ambition in competitive scenarios. This phrase can effectively depict a character's drive or a team's objective.

Common error

Avoid using "wanting to win" in situations where competition isn't relevant. For example, instead of saying "wanting to win" at a personal goal like learning a new skill, consider using phrases like "wanting to excel" or "aiming to master".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "wanting to win" functions primarily as a gerund phrase, acting as a noun. It describes the desire or motivation to achieve victory in a competitive context. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is a correct and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

95%

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Less common in

Science

0.33%

Reference

0.33%

Wiki

0.33%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "wanting to win" is a grammatically sound and frequently used gerund phrase that effectively conveys a strong desire for victory. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. Its prevalence in news and media highlights its relevance in describing competitive scenarios. While alternatives like "desiring victory" or "striving for success" exist, "wanting to win" succinctly captures the essence of ambition and motivation. Remember to use it judiciously, particularly in contexts where competition is explicit, to maintain clarity and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

with a will to win

Indicates a determined and resolute attitude.

eager for a win

Conveys a sense of enthusiasm and anticipation.

desiring victory

Emphasizes the abstract concept of victory rather than the act of winning.

pursuing victory

Highlights the active pursuit and striving for a win.

aiming for first place

Highlights the specific goal of achieving the top position.

striving for success

Focuses on the effort applied toward achieving a positive outcome.

motivated to succeed

Shifts the focus to the internal drive and motivation.

determined to triumph

Implies a strong resolve and overcoming obstacles.

hungry for success

Uses a metaphor to express a strong and intense desire.

having a competitive spirit

Focuses on the innate drive and desire to compete and win.

FAQs

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

You can use "wanting to win" to describe someone's motivation or desire in a competitive situation. For instance: "His "wanting to win" drove him to train harder" or "The team's "wanting to win" was evident in their performance".

What are some alternatives to "wanting to win"?

Alternatives to "wanting to win" include "desiring victory", "striving for success", or "aiming for first place", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to use "wanting to win"?

Yes, "wanting to win" is grammatically correct. It functions as a gerund phrase, which can act as a noun in a sentence.

What's the difference between "wanting to win" and "wishing to win"?

"Wanting to win" suggests a stronger, more active desire and motivation, while "wishing to win" implies a passive hope or desire. The former conveys determination, whereas the latter suggests a more gentle aspiration.