If you are looking for other words for wanting to do something, try these: be eager to, feel inclined to, be interested in, be keen to, be motivated to.
These alternatives help you sound more natural, fluent, and precise in both casual and professional English.
The phrase wanting to do something is common in everyday English. People use it to talk about desire, interest, or motivation to take action.
However, repeating the same phrase can make your English sound basic or informal. Learning alternatives to other words for wanting to do something helps you adjust your tone for different situations.
If you want to express excitement in English or sound more professional, choosing the right variation makes a big difference in how confident and polished you appear.
Quick Categories
Formal alternatives to “wanting to do something”
- Be inclined to
- Desire to
- Wish to
- Be motivated to
Pro Tip: Use these in academic, official, or respectful communication.
Casual alternatives
- Feel like
- Be up for
- Be in the mood to
- Feel tempted to
Pro Tip: Great for conversations with friends, not formal writing.
Professional alternatives
- Be interested in
- Plan to
- Intend to
- Be considering
Pro Tip: These work well in emails, meetings, and workplace discussions.
Informal expressions
- Be dying to
- Be itching to
- Be keen to
- Can’t wait to
Pro Tip: Use these for strong enthusiasm in relaxed settings.
Common Mistakes
- Using it in formal writing
Incorrect: I am wanting to discuss the contract. - Using wrong verb form
Incorrect: I wanting to go home. - Overusing the phrase
Incorrect: I’m wanting to learn, wanting to grow, and wanting to improve. - Using it instead of future tense
Incorrect: I am wanting to call you tomorrow. - Sounding too casual at work
Incorrect: I’m wanting to try this strategy.
What Does “Wanting to Do Something” Mean?
It means having a desire, interest, or intention to perform an action.
Grammatically, it describes a mental state or feeling of desire followed by an action verb.
Example: I’m wanting to start a new project.
When to Use “Wanting to Do Something”
Common contexts:
- Talking about personal goals
- Expressing interest
- Sharing plans informally
Spoken vs Written
More common in speech than formal writing.
Formal vs Informal
Mostly informal and conversational.
Is It Professional or Polite to Say “Wanting to Do Something”?
It is polite but often too casual for professional settings.
Business example: I am interested in discussing the proposal further.
Polite? Yes
Professional? No in most cases
Pros and Cons of Using “Wanting to Do Something”
Pros
- Simple and natural
- Friendly tone
- Common usage
- Easy to understand
Cons
- Too informal for work
- Overused
- Limited emotional range
- Not suitable for formal writing
Other Ways to Say “Wanting to Do Something” With Examples
These other ways to say other words for wanting to do something help you sound more fluent, confident, and natural in different situations.
Use them based on tone, context, and audience to express excitement in English or show professional intention.
1. Phrase: Be eager to
Meaning: Strongly interested in doing something.
Explanation: Shows enthusiasm and readiness.
Example Sentence: I am eager to begin the new assignment.
Best Use: motivation, goals
Worst Use: complaints, bad news
Tone: positive, energetic
Context Variability: casual, professional, spoken
2. Phrase: Be interested in
Meaning: Having curiosity or desire.
Explanation: Neutral and professional.
Example Sentence: I am interested in learning more about this role.
Best Use: business, networking
Worst Use: strong excitement
Tone: neutral, polite
Context Variability: professional, spoken
3. Phrase: Feel like
Meaning: Have the desire at the moment.
Explanation: Very common in conversation.
Example Sentence: I feel like going for a walk.
Best Use: daily talk
Worst Use: formal writing
Tone: casual, relaxed
Context Variability: casual, spoken
4. Phrase: Intend to
Meaning: Have a plan or purpose.
Explanation: Shows clear decision.
Example Sentence: I intend to submit the report tomorrow.
Best Use: professional plans
Worst Use: jokes
Tone: formal, direct
Context Variability: professional, written
5. Phrase: Plan to
Meaning: Have arranged or decided.
Explanation: Practical and clear.
Example Sentence: We plan to launch next month.
Best Use: work, projects
Worst Use: emotional talk
Tone: neutral, organized
Context Variability: professional, casual
6. Phrase: Be keen to
Meaning: Very interested or enthusiastic.
Explanation: Common in British English.
Example Sentence: She is keen to join the team.
Best Use: positive interest
Worst Use: negative topics
Tone: friendly, upbeat
Context Variability: casual, professional
7. Phrase: Wish to
Meaning: Politely want to.
Explanation: Formal and respectful.
Example Sentence: I wish to discuss this matter further.
Best Use: formal requests
Worst Use: casual chat
Tone: formal, polite
Context Variability: formal, written
8. Phrase: Desire to
Meaning: Strong formal expression of wanting.
Explanation: Often used in official writing.
Example Sentence: The company desires to expand globally.
Best Use: legal, formal
Worst Use: friendly chat
Tone: serious, formal
Context Variability: formal, written
9. Phrase: Be motivated to
Meaning: Driven to take action.
Explanation: Emphasizes internal drive.
Example Sentence: I am motivated to improve my skills.
Best Use: goals, interviews
Worst Use: lazy mood
Tone: positive, professional
Context Variability: professional, spoken
10. Phrase: Be inclined to
Meaning: Slightly more likely or willing.
Explanation: Softer than strong desire.
Example Sentence: I am inclined to agree with you.
Best Use: opinions
Worst Use: excitement
Tone: thoughtful, polite
Context Variability: professional, formal
11. Be tempted to
Meaning: Feel attracted to an action.
Explanation: Often about something enjoyable.
Example: I’m tempted to order dessert.
Best Use: light talk
Worst Use: formal email
Tone: playful, casual
Context Variability: casual, spoken
12. Be considering
Meaning: Thinking about doing something.
Explanation: Shows possibility, not decision.
Example: We are considering moving offices.
Best Use: business talk
Worst Use: urgent action
Tone: neutral, professional
Context Variability: professional
13. Be ready to
Meaning: Prepared and willing.
Explanation: Focuses on readiness.
Example: I’m ready to start.
Best Use: action moments
Worst Use: uncertain plans
Tone: confident, direct
Context Variability: casual, professional
14. Be willing to
Meaning: Open to doing something.
Explanation: Suggests cooperation.
Example: I am willing to help.
Best Use: teamwork
Worst Use: strong excitement
Tone: polite, cooperative
Context Variability: professional
15. Be dying to
Meaning: Extremely eager.
Explanation: Strong informal excitement.
Example: I’m dying to see that movie.
Best Use: friends
Worst Use: workplace
Tone: dramatic, excited
Context Variability: informal
16. Be itching to
Meaning: Impatient to start.
Explanation: Emphasizes excitement.
Example: He’s itching to play.
Best Use: hobbies
Worst Use: formal writing
Tone: lively, informal
Context Variability: spoken
17. Be up for
Meaning: Willing and interested.
Explanation: Casual agreement.
Example: Are you up for dinner?
Best Use: invitations
Worst Use: business proposals
Tone: friendly, casual
Context Variability: informal
18. Be in the mood to
Meaning: Want based on feelings.
Explanation: Emotional preference.
Example: I’m in the mood to relax.
Best Use: personal talk
Worst Use: formal settings
Tone: relaxed, casual
Context Variability: spoken
19. Look forward to
Meaning: Feel happy about a future event.
Explanation: Positive anticipation.
Example: I look forward to meeting you.
Best Use: emails, plans
Worst Use: past events
Tone: warm, professional
Context Variability: professional
20. Hope to
Meaning: Want something to happen.
Explanation: Expresses desire with uncertainty.
Example: I hope to travel soon.
Best Use: polite talk
Worst Use: firm plans
Tone: gentle, positive
Context Variability: casual, professional
21. Aim to
Meaning: Have a goal.
Explanation: Focuses on intention.
Example: We aim to improve quality.
Best Use: business goals
Worst Use: casual chat
Tone: determined, professional
Context Variability: professional
22. Strive to
Meaning: Try very hard to achieve.
Explanation: Emphasizes effort.
Example: She strives to succeed.
Best Use: achievements
Worst Use: small tasks
Tone: serious, motivated
Context Variability: professional
23. Be set on
Meaning: Strongly determined.
Explanation: Shows firm decision.
Example: He is set on changing careers.
Best Use: personal goals
Worst Use: minor choices
Tone: firm, confident
Context Variability: spoken
24. Be planning on
Meaning: Expecting to do something.
Explanation: Casual future intention.
Example: I’m planning on calling later.
Best Use: informal plans
Worst Use: formal writing
Tone: relaxed, neutral
Context Variability: casual
25. Would like to
Meaning: Polite way to say want.
Explanation: Very common and safe.
Example: I would like to ask a question.
Best Use: polite requests
Worst Use: strong excitement
Tone: polite, neutral
Context Variability: professional
26. Be longing to
Meaning: Strong emotional desire.
Explanation: More emotional than eager.
Example: She’s longing to see home again.
Best Use: emotional talk
Worst Use: business context
Tone: emotional, expressive
Context Variability: spoken
27. Be curious to
Meaning: Want to know or try.
Explanation: Driven by curiosity.
Example: I’m curious to see the results.
Best Use: learning
Worst Use: formal requests
Tone: thoughtful, light
Context Variability: casual, professional
28. Be determined to
Meaning: Strong decision to act.
Explanation: Shows commitment.
Example: He is determined to finish.
Best Use: goals
Worst Use: casual chat
Tone: strong, serious
Context Variability: professional
29. Be enthusiastic about
Meaning: Show energetic interest.
Explanation: Positive and expressive.
Example: She’s enthusiastic about the project.
Best Use: teamwork
Worst Use: complaints
Tone: upbeat, positive
Context Variability: professional
30. Have a desire to
Meaning: Formal way to express wanting.
Explanation: Sounds serious or official.
Example: They have a desire to expand.
Best Use: formal writing
Worst Use: casual talk
Tone: formal, neutral
Context Variability: formal
Mini Quiz
- Which is best for a job interview?
A. Be dying to
B. Be interested in
C. Feel like - Which sounds most formal?
A. Wish to
B. Up for
C. Itching to - Which expresses strong excitement with friends?
A. Intend to
B. Be eager to
C. Be dying to
Comparison Table: Top Alternatives
| Phrase | Tone | Best Use |
|---|---|---|
| Be eager to | Energetic | Goals |
| Be interested in | Neutral | Professional |
| Intend to | Formal | Business plans |
| Plan to | Neutral | Projects |
| Be keen to | Friendly | Positive interest |
| Wish to | Formal | Polite requests |
| Look forward to | Warm | Emails |
| Hope to | Gentle | Future wishes |
| Aim to | Determined | Company goals |
| Would like to | Polite | Requests |
FAQs
What are professional alternatives to other words for wanting to do something?
Use phrases like be interested in, intend to, or plan to for workplace communication.
How can I express excitement in English without sounding informal?
Try be eager to or look forward to in professional or polite settings.
Are informal expressions in English okay at work?
Usually no. Save them for friends and casual conversation.
What is the most polite alternative?
Would like to is one of the safest and most polite options.
Why should I learn other ways to say other words for wanting to do something?
It improves fluency, tone control, and professional communication skills.
See also: Other Ways to Say I Agree
See also: Professional English Phrases for Workplace Communication
Practice using one new phrase daily to build confident, natural English.
Conclusion
Learning other words for wanting to do something helps you sound more fluent, professional, and expressive. Small vocabulary changes can make a big difference in how people perceive your English.
Keep practicing these alternatives in speaking and writing. The key to sounding natural is choosing phrases that match the tone and situation.
James Anderson is a vocabulary-focused blogger at synonymsflow.com sharing simple and helpful insights on synonyms and word meanings to strengthen readers language skills.
