we wanted to know

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we wanted to know" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing curiosity or a desire for information about something. Example: "During the meeting, we wanted to know more about the project's timeline and deliverables."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

We wanted to know if there were any detectable deficits that changed over the maintenance treatment.

BMC Psychiatry

we wanted to know.

The New Yorker

We decided we wanted to know more.

The New York Times

We wanted to know, what could work?

Harvard University

"What's it about?" we wanted to know.

The New York Times

"We wanted to know for sure".

The New York Times

We wanted to know what they think.

The Guardian

We wanted to know how children experienced and understood the transport-built environment relationship.

Journal of Transport Geography

We wanted to know what the kids would do.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

We wanted to know if kids are sensitive to this.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

The more we knew, the less we wanted to know.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "we wanted to know", ensure the context clearly indicates who "we" refers to. This avoids ambiguity and maintains clarity in your writing.

Common error

In highly formal contexts, consider more sophisticated alternatives to "we wanted to know", such as "we sought to ascertain" or "it was our objective to determine". This enhances the professional tone of your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we wanted to know" functions as an expression of inquiry or curiosity. It sets the stage for explaining the motivation behind a question, investigation, or study. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Academia

30%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "we wanted to know" is a grammatically sound and commonly understood way to express curiosity or a desire for information. As Ludwig AI confirms, this expression is correct and usable in written English. It's frequently found in news articles, scientific papers, and academic publications. While versatile, it may benefit from more formal alternatives in certain contexts. Consider the specific tone and audience when deciding whether to use this phrase or opt for a more sophisticated option such as "we sought to understand" to maintain formality. Remember to ensure clarity regarding the reference of "we" for unambiguous communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we wished to know

Replaces "wanted" with "wished", indicating a slightly more formal or polite desire for knowledge.

we sought to know

Uses "sought" instead of "wanted", suggesting a more active and deliberate pursuit of knowledge.

we wanted to discover

Substitutes "know" with "discover", implying a desire to uncover new information or insights.

we wanted to understand

Replaces "know" with "understand", emphasizing a desire for comprehension and deeper insight.

we needed to know

Changes "wanted" to "needed", indicating that the knowledge was essential or required.

we were curious to learn

Emphasizes the feeling of curiosity as the motivation for seeking information.

we were interested in knowing

Highlights interest as the reason for wanting to know something.

it was our intention to learn

This expresses the intent to gain knowledge, using a slightly more formal tone.

our goal was to understand

Focuses on understanding as the desired outcome, rather than simply knowing.

we aimed to find out

Highlights the active search for information or a specific answer.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "we wanted to know" to sound more formal?

Consider using phrases like "we sought to ascertain", "it was our objective to determine", or "we aimed to investigate" for a more formal tone.

Is "we wanted to know" appropriate for academic writing?

While grammatically correct, "we wanted to know" might be perceived as informal in some academic contexts. Alternatives like "we investigated" or "the aim of this study was" may be more suitable.

What's a simpler way to say "we wanted to know"?

Simpler alternatives include "we asked", "we wondered", or "we were curious", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Can "we wanted to know" be used in business communication?

Yes, it's acceptable in many business contexts, especially internal communications. However, for external or very formal reports, consider alternatives like "we sought to understand" or "we aimed to determine".