Comprehensive Guide: Synonyms for “Want to”
“Want to” – Definition and Part of Speech
The phrase “want to” is commonly used in English to express a desire or intention to perform an action. It is typically part of the verb structure, functioning as a modal construction combined with an infinitive verb (e.g., “want to go,” “want to eat”). This usage emphasizes personal inclination towards undertaking something.
Core Synonyms
| Synonym | Brief Definition/Nuance | Example Sentence | Style/Register |
|---|---|---|---|
| desire | A strong feeling of wanting or wishing for something. | “I have a deep desire to travel the world.” | Formal/Academic |
| intend to | Plan or purposefully aim to do something. | “She intends to finish her degree next year.” | Business/Formal |
| wish to | Express hope or aspiration towards an action. | “He wished to see his family on the weekend.” | Formal/Casual |
| aim to | Target a particular outcome or objective. | “They aim to increase sales by 20% this quarter.” | Business/Formal |
| aspire to | Have ambitions or goals; long for something higher. | “She aspires to become a renowned author.” | Academic/Formal |
| be inclined to | Be naturally disposed towards an action or decision. | “I’m inclined to believe her explanation.” | Casual/Informal |
Usage Notes
- Desire: Often used in more formal and literary contexts, expressing deeper emotional yearnings.
- Intend to: Commonly used in business and official documents, conveying deliberate planning.
- Wish to: Versatile for both formal writing and casual conversations, highlighting a hope or wish without strong intentionality.
- Aim to: Ideal for professional settings when specifying targets or objectives within a plan or strategy.
- Aspire to: Typically found in academic and motivational contexts, indicating long-term goals or high ambitions.
- Be inclined to: Casual and conversational, suitable for expressing a natural tendency or preference without firm commitment.
Common Pitfalls
- Desire vs. Wish:
- “Desire” often connotes deeper emotional investment than “wish,” which can be used more casually.
- Intend to vs. Aim to:
- “Intend to” implies a personal plan or determination, while “aim to” is often associated with objectives set by groups or organizations.
Final Recap
In expanding your vocabulary beyond “want to,” consider using synonyms like “desire,” “intend to,” “wish to,” “aim to,” “aspire to,” and “be inclined to.” Each synonym carries unique nuances that can enhance both written and spoken communication. Practicing these words in context will improve your ability to express varying levels of desire, intention, or aspiration across different registers.
Encourage yourself to write sentences using each synonym or incorporate them into conversations to gain a better grasp of their usage and distinctions. This practice not only enriches language skills but also aids in conveying precise meanings effectively.