was wanted

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was wanted" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used when the speaker is referring to a desire, or to the act of attempting to find or obtain something. For example: The stolen painting was wanted by the police.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

She was wanted.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

I was wanted in Paris.

The New Yorker

He was wanted by the Danish police.

The New Yorker

Anas: I was wanted by secret police.

The Guardian

"He decided he was wanted by Interpol.

The Guardian

Ackley asked what the fugitive was wanted for.

The New York Times - Magazine

"Wael was wanted by the regime, and he escaped.

The Guardian

The boys knew that Grace was wanted for murder.

The New Yorker

He was wanted in Spain in connection with eight killings.

The New York Times

He had to hear that he was wanted.

The New York Times - Sports

They said he was wanted on other charges, including assault.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "was wanted" when referring to someone being sought by authorities or when expressing a past desire or need. Ensure the context clarifies whether it's related to law enforcement or general desire.

Common error

Avoid using "was wanted" when the active voice is more appropriate and direct. For example, instead of "The promotion was wanted by many employees", consider "Many employees wanted the promotion".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was wanted" primarily functions as a passive voice construction, indicating that someone or something was the object of a desire, need, or pursuit. Ludwig AI confirms this through numerous examples where "was wanted" denotes either being sought by authorities or being desired.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Encyclopedias

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

5%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "was wanted" is a grammatically correct and frequently used passive construction indicating a state of being desired, needed, or pursued. Ludwig AI confirms its versatile usage across diverse contexts, including news reports, encyclopedias, and scientific publications. While generally neutral in register, clarity is key; avoid passive voice when the active voice provides a more direct and clear statement. The phrase is commonly used across several authoritative sources, making it a reliable choice for various writing purposes.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was in demand

Emphasizes popularity or necessity; it highlights that there were many people requesting something or someone.

was sought after

Highlights the effort or competition involved in obtaining something or someone, focusing on desirability.

was needed

Focuses on the requirement or necessity of something or someone, suggesting a lack or deficiency.

was required

Similar to "was needed", but often implies a formal or mandatory obligation.

was desired

Highlights a strong feeling of wanting or wishing for something, emphasizing emotional appeal.

was pursued

Focuses on the action of chasing or following someone or something, often with determination.

was searched for

Highlights the act of looking for someone or something, implying a lack of knowledge of their location.

authorities sought

Specifically refers to law enforcement's pursuit, emphasizing a legal aspect of wanting someone for questioning or arrest.

faced charges

Implies someone is officially accused and being pursued in court.

subject of an investigation

Highlights the ongoing scrutiny of an individual or entity by an authority.

FAQs

How can I use "was wanted" in a sentence?

You can use "was wanted" to indicate that someone was being searched for by authorities, as in "The suspect "was wanted" for questioning", or to express that something was desired or needed, as in "The stability that diplomacy "was needed" now more than ever".

What's a good alternative to "was wanted"?

Depending on the context, alternatives include "was needed", "was sought after", or "was in demand". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it ever incorrect to use "was wanted"?

While grammatically correct, "was wanted" can sound passive or indirect. If you can rephrase the sentence in the active voice for clarity, such as changing "The information was wanted by the team" to "The team wanted the information", it can improve readability.

What does it mean when someone says a person "was wanted dead or alive"?

The phrase "was wanted dead or alive" signifies that capturing the individual, regardless of their condition (dead or alive), is of utmost importance, often implying a high level of danger or notoriety.