35 Other Words for “Wanting to Do Something”

In this blog post, we’ll explore 35 different ways to express the concept of “wanting to do something.” Whether you’re writing, speaking, or simply looking to expand your vocabulary, these alternatives will help you communicate more effectively and add variety to your language.

Understanding various ways to express desire or intent can significantly enhance your communication skills. When you use diverse phrases, you not only avoid repetition but also convey your message more clearly and engagingly.

This post provides a comprehensive list of alternative expressions to “wanting to do something,” enabling you to choose the most appropriate term based on the context. Expand your vocabulary and refine your communication by incorporating these alternative phrases.

By familiarising yourself with these expressions, you’ll be better equipped to articulate your intentions and motivations in both personal and professional settings. In this article, you’ll find a detailed explanation of each phrase, including its usage and context.

From formal expressions to more casual ones, these alternatives will enhance your ability to express desires, wants, and intentions effectively.

35 Other Words for “Wanting to Do Something”

  • Eager to
  • Aspire to
  • Yearn to
  • Crave to
  • Desire to
  • Long to
  • Inclined to
  • Feel compelled to
  • Driven to
  • Keen to
  • Determined to
  • Hope to
  • Wish to
  • Motivated to
  • Aimed at
  • Set on
  • Planning to
  • Ambitious to
  • Intent on
  • Desperately want to
  • Would like to
  • Enthusiastic about
  • Passionate about
  • On a mission to
  • Interested in
  • Ready to
  • Prepared to
  • Looking forward to
  • Propose to
  • Aim to
  • Determined to
  • Eager for
  • Have a mind to
  • Feel like
  • Set your sights on

1. Eager to

This phrase conveys a strong enthusiasm and anticipation for doing something. It suggests an active and eager approach to the task at hand.

Example: Jane is eager to start her new project and has already outlined her plans in detail.

2. Aspire to

Explanation: To aspire to something indicates a high level of ambition and long-term desire. It often relates to goals and aspirations that require effort and dedication.

Example: Tom aspires to become a renowned author, and he spends every spare moment working on his novel.

3. Yearn to

This phrase implies a deep, sometimes wistful desire. It suggests an emotional longing to achieve or experience something.

Example: Maria yearns to travel the world and experience different cultures, having saved for years to make her dream a reality.

4. Crave to

Crave to expresses a strong, often urgent desire for something, similar to a deep need or hunger for it.

Example: After months of working hard, Alex craves to take a relaxing vacation in the mountains.

vacation in the mountains

5. Desire to

Desire to is a formal way of expressing a wish or want to do something. It is versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.

Example: The company desires to expand its market reach and is exploring new business opportunities.

6. Long to

Too long to do something indicates a prolonged and heartfelt wish. It often involves a sense of waiting or yearning.

Example: Emma longs to return to her hometown and reconnect with old friends after several years away.

7. Inclined to

Being inclined to do something suggests a natural tendency or preference towards an action or behaviour.

Example: Michael is inclined to take on new challenges at work, believing they offer valuable growth opportunities.

8. Feel compelled to

When you feel compelled to do something, it indicates a strong internal drive or obligation to act.

Example: Feeling the urgency of the situation, Sarah felt compelled to volunteer her time at the local shelter.

9. Driven to

To be driven to do something suggests a powerful motivation or determination that propels one towards an action.

Example: Jessica is driven to succeed in her career, working long hours to achieve her professional goals.

10. Keen to

Keen to implies a high level of enthusiasm and readiness to engage in an activity or action.

Example: John is keen to start his new fitness regimen and has already bought all the necessary equipment.

11. Set on

To be set on something indicates a strong determination and commitment towards achieving a goal.

Example: Lily is set on completing her degree in architecture and has mapped out a detailed study plan.

12. Determined to

Being determined to do something shows a resolute mindset and firm decision to pursue an objective.

Example: Chris is determined to finish his marathon training, despite the challenges he has faced.

13. Intent on

Intent on conveys a clear focus and purpose in pursuing a specific action or goal.

Example: The team is intent on improving customer satisfaction and is implementing several new strategies to achieve this.

14. Motivated to

Motivated to indicate a strong internal drive that encourages someone to take action towards a goal.

Example: After receiving positive feedback, Laura is motivated to continue her art project with renewed enthusiasm.

15. Eager for

To be eager for something shows anticipation and excitement about a forthcoming event or opportunity.

Example: The students are eager for their summer internship program, which they believe will enhance their career prospects.

16. Passionate about

Being passionate about something reveals a deep and intense interest or enthusiasm.

Example: He is passionate about environmental conservation and spends his weekends volunteering with local green organisations.

17. Yearning for

Yearning for implies a deep, often emotional longing for something that is desired.

Example: After years of working in the city, she is yearning for a quieter life in the countryside.

18. Anxious to

To be anxious to do something expresses a strong desire mixed with some urgency or eagerness.

Example: Robert is anxious to hear the results of his job interview and has been checking his email frequently.

19. Excited to

Excited to indicate a high level of enthusiasm and eagerness about engaging in an activity.

Example: The team is excited to launch their new product and is preparing for the big release event.

20. Hopeful for

Hopeful conveys a desire accompanied by optimism about a future outcome.

Example: She is hopeful for a positive response to her proposal and has prepared thoroughly to make a good impression.

21. Interested in

To be interested in something shows a curiosity or attraction towards it, leading to a desire to learn or engage.

Example: He is interested in taking up painting classes to explore his creative side.

22. Willing to

Willing to signifies a readiness or willingness to engage in an action or task.

Example: I am willing to help with the project and will make time in my schedule to assist.

23. Prepared to

To be prepared to do something indicates a readiness to take action based on planning or readiness.

Example: The candidate is prepared to answer any questions during the interview and has practised extensively.

24. Determined to

Determined to reflect a strong resolve and persistence towards achieving a goal.

Example: Despite the obstacles, she remains determined to complete her marathon and is training rigorously.

25. Inclined towards

Being inclined towards something shows a natural tendency or preference for it.

Example: He is inclined towards studying psychology and has enrolled in several related courses.

26. Driven by

To be driven by something indicates that a particular motivation or factor fuels one’s desire.

Example: Her research is driven by a passion for discovering new treatments for chronic illnesses.

27. Eager to

Eager to convey an enthusiastic and immediate desire to participate in or achieve something.

Example: She is eager to learn new cooking techniques and has signed up for a gourmet cooking class.

28. Excited about

Excited about reveals a high level of enthusiasm and anticipation regarding a future event or activity.

Example: The children are excited about their upcoming field trip to the zoo and have been talking about it for weeks.

children are excited

29. Desirous of

Desirous is a formal way to express a strong wish or want for something.

Example: He is desirous of making a significant impact in his field and is seeking opportunities to innovate.

30. Keen on

To be keen on something indicates a strong interest or enthusiasm for it.

Example: She is keen on learning French and has started attending weekly language classes.

31. Hopeful to

Hopeful to signify a wish or desire for something with an optimistic outlook.

Example: They are hopeful to secure funding for their startup and are preparing their pitch presentation.

32. Eagerly anticipating

Eagerly anticipating expresses a high level of excitement and expectation for something that is about to happen.

Example: He is eagerly anticipating the release of the new book by his favorite author.

33. Aiming to

To be aiming to do something indicates a specific goal or target that one is working towards.

Example: The company is aiming to increase its market share by 10% over the next fiscal year.

34. Looking forward to

Looking forward to conveying a positive anticipation and desire for something that will happen in the future.

Example: She is looking forward to her vacation next month and has already planned all the activities.

35. Enthusiastic about

Enthusiastic shows a high level of energy and interest in engaging in a particular activity or goal.

Example: He is enthusiastic about his new role and is excited to start contributing to the team.

ANSWER TO KEY QUESTION

1. What is the difference between “eager to” and “excited to”?

Both phrases indicate enthusiasm, but “eager to” suggests a strong, immediate desire, while “excited to” highlights anticipation and enthusiasm.

2. Can “aspire to” be used in casual conversation?

While “aspire to” is often used in formal contexts, it can also be used casually to express long-term goals or ambitions.

3. Is “keen on” interchangeable with “interested in”?

“Keen on” implies a stronger level of enthusiasm and commitment compared to “interested in,” which denotes curiosity or attraction.

4. When should I use “yearning for” versus “craving”?

“Yearning for” expresses a deep emotional longing, while “craving” suggests a more urgent or intense need.

5. How formal is the phrase “desirous of”?

“Desirous of” is quite formal and is typically used in written or professional contexts rather than casual conversation.

Conclusion

Exploring different ways to express desire and intent can significantly enhance your communication skills. By integrating these 35 alternative phrases into your vocabulary, you’ll be able to convey your motivations and aspirations more effectively. 

This variety not only enriches your language but also helps you communicate your wants and goals with greater precision and clarity.

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