we only want

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we only want" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing a specific desire or need, often to clarify intentions or requests. Example: "In this meeting, we only want to discuss the budget and not any other topics."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But we only want to do good.

The New York Times

We told them: We only want freedom.

The New York Times - Magazine

That means that we only want to perform flux evaluations.

Journal of Computational Physics

We only want solid numbers".

The New York Times

We only want our rights".

The New York Times

We only want respectable types, it says.

The Guardian

We only want stuff that's compact/impact".

The New York Times

We only want to live in dignity".

The New York Times

We only want you to call your evidence.

Yale University

What if we only want to reuse certain bits?

Stanford University

"We only want back what is rightfully ours".

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "we only want" to clearly and directly state your needs or desires, leaving no room for misinterpretation. For example, instead of saying "We'd like…", say "We only want…" followed by the specific item or action you need.

Common error

Avoid using "we only want" repeatedly in close succession. Vary your language by using synonyms or rephrasing your sentences to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we only want" functions as a declarative statement expressing a specific desire, intention, or need. Ludwig examples show this phrase used to clarify objectives, express simple desires, or set boundaries. The inclusion of "only" emphasizes the limitation of the desire.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Formal & Business

18%

Science

17%

Less common in

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "we only want" is a common and grammatically sound way to express a specific desire or intention. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. Its neutral register makes it suitable for various contexts, as seen in numerous examples from news, business, and scientific sources. Related phrases, such as "we simply desire" or "our only wish is", offer alternative ways to convey similar meanings with slightly different nuances. When using this phrase, it's best to be clear and direct, avoiding overuse to maintain reader engagement. Ludwig's analysis underlines the phrase's utility in conveying a concise and unambiguous message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we simply desire

Replaces "only" with "simply", softening the tone slightly.

we merely want

Substitutes "only" with "merely", emphasizing the straightforwardness of the desire.

our only wish is

Changes the structure to emphasize the wish itself.

all we desire is

Emphasizes the totality of the desire with "all".

we just require

Replaces "want" with "require", suggesting a need rather than a preference.

we exclusively want

Adds emphasis on exclusivity with "exclusively".

we specifically want

Highlights the specificity of the desire with "specifically".

we aim solely for

Shifts the focus to aiming, suggesting a directed effort towards achieving the desire.

our intention is solely to

Rephrases as an intention, adding a layer of formality.

we prioritize only

Emphasizes the act of prioritizing, indicating importance.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "we only want" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider alternatives such as "we simply desire" or "our intention is solely to", which add a layer of formality while maintaining the core meaning.

What's the difference between "we only want" and "we just want"?

While both phrases convey a similar meaning, "we only want" emphasizes exclusivity, whereas "we just want" is more casual and focuses on simplicity. The choice depends on the context and desired tone.

Is it grammatically correct to say "we only want"?

Yes, "we only want" is grammatically correct and widely accepted in both spoken and written English. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and provides numerous examples of its use.

What are some common situations where I might use "we only want"?

You can use "we only want" when clarifying your requirements in a negotiation, stating your objectives in a project, or expressing a simple desire. For instance, "We only want to ensure old people don't die in A&E".