Want vs. Wont: What's the Difference?
Understanding when to use want vs. wont can prevent confusion in writing and speech. The term want refers to a desire or wish for something. It is primarily used as a verb, expressing the act of desiring something. Wont, on the other hand, is less commonly used, signifying custom, habit, or usual practice. It often appears in the form 'to be wont to' indicating someone’s habit.
How do you use the word want in a sentence?
Use want whenever expressing a wish or a need for something. It helps clarify what a person desires or lacks. As a verb, it can combine with various objects to express a wide range of desires, from material possessions to abstract concepts.
Examples of want in a sentence
- She wants a new laptop for her birthday.
- They want to travel around the world next year.
- I want to become a better person.
How do you use the word wont in a sentence?
The word wont is applicable when referring to someone’s typical behavior or an established habit. It's a term that conveys regularity of actions and is often used in a literary or formal context. The phrase 'as is my wont' is an example of its idiomatic usage.
Examples of wont in a sentence
- She was wont to take long walks before dinner.
- As is his wont, he ordered coffee instead of tea.
- He is wont to speak frankly, which some people appreciate and others do not.
Want and wont definition, parts of speech, and pronunciation
Want definition:
Want (verb): To feel a need or desire for; wish for.
Want parts of speech:
Want pronunciation:
Want: /wɒnt/ or /wɑːnt/.
Wont definition:
Wont (adjective): Accustomed to doing something; in the habit of; given to.
Wont parts of speech:
Wont pronunciation:
Wont: /woʊnt/ or /wəʊnt/.
Want (verb): To feel a need or desire for; wish for.
Want parts of speech:
- As a verb: He wants to leave early today.
- As a noun (less common): There is a want of clarity in his explanation.
Want pronunciation:
Want: /wɒnt/ or /wɑːnt/.
Wont definition:
Wont (adjective): Accustomed to doing something; in the habit of; given to.
Wont parts of speech:
- As an adjective: Her wont enthusiasm makes her a great team leader.
- As a noun (rare): His early arrival was not his usual wont.
Wont pronunciation:
Wont: /woʊnt/ or /wəʊnt/.
Want vs. wont in a nutshell
While want and wont may sound similar, their meanings and uses are distinct. Want is a versatile word used to express desire or necessity, functioning mostly as a verb. Wont, much less common in everyday language, describes a tendency or habitual practice and is generally used as an adjective. Remember that want focuses on a longing, and wont on a pattern of behavior to master their usage.
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