we should want

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we should want" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a desire or preference that is considered appropriate or advisable. Example: "In order to improve our community, we should want to support local businesses and initiatives."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

In general, we should want good ideas to be copied.

The New Yorker

Truth is what we should want from journalists.

The New Yorker

This is what we should want from our leaders.

Independent

We should want others to think well of us.

The Guardian - Books

That's what we should want in a presidential candidate".

The Guardian

And the last message we should want crisis workers to receive is that anything goes.

The New Yorker

It's not even a problem that we should want science to solve for us.

The New Yorker

That is not a place we should want to go, Mr Summers reminds us.

The Economist

It seems inevitable, then, that we should want to know his biography.

The New York Times - Books

There is a powerful idea that we should want to be richer.

The Guardian

I'm not at all convinced that we should want what Altman wants.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "we should want", ensure that the context clearly indicates who "we" refers to, avoiding ambiguity.

Common error

While grammatically correct, using "we should want" in highly formal writing can sometimes sound less sophisticated than alternatives like "it is desirable that we..." or "we ought to desire...". Consider the tone of your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we should want" functions as a modal construction used to express a desired or recommended state. The modal verb "should" indicates advisability, while "want" signifies desire. As Ludwig AI confirms, the structure is grammatically sound and used to express a preference or intention.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

90%

Science

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

0.5%

Wiki

0.5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "we should want" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to convey a desired state or recommended course of action. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and provides numerous examples from reputable sources. While generally neutral in register, consider more formal alternatives for highly professional or academic contexts. It is frequently found in News & Media. When employing "we should want", ensure clarity regarding the referent of "we" and align the tone with your intended audience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we ought to desire

Emphasizes a moral obligation or duty to want something.

it would be good if we wanted

Expresses a conditional preference; good if the desire existed.

it is desirable that we want

Highlights the desirability of a specific want or need.

we need to aspire to

Focuses on aiming for or striving towards a particular goal or desire.

we should aspire to

Highlights the ambition or elevated nature of the want.

we ought to aim for

Suggests setting a goal or objective that one should strive towards.

our aim should be

Clearly states the goal or objective that should be pursued.

we must strive for

Emphasizes the necessity and effort required to achieve a desired outcome.

our desire should be

Focuses specifically on the ideal or preferred desire.

it's our preference to

Highlights a personal inclination or choice.

FAQs

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

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "it is desirable that we want", "it would be beneficial if we desired", or "we ought to desire".

Is there a difference between "we should want" and "we want"?

"We want" directly expresses a current desire. "We should want" suggests a desired state or aspiration that may not currently exist. It implies a recommendation or advisability. For example, "our desire should be".

When is it appropriate to use "we should want" in writing?

It's suitable when expressing a collective aspiration, recommending a course of action, or suggesting a desirable outcome. It works well in persuasive writing, discussions about goals, or when outlining community or group objectives. It might be better to express "we need to aspire to" something when you're making a recommendation.

What are some common synonyms for "we should want"?

Alternatives include phrases like "we ought to aim for", "our aim should be", or ""we need to aspire to"", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. Each carries a slightly different connotation.