Exceptional Expressions

Exceptional Expressions Posted 11/21/2009 Permanent Link

#16 Want

Exceptional Expressions for Everyday Events will be on hiatus for the holidays until January 2, 2010. E4: Want is the last E4 for 2009.

EVERYDAY EVENTS:

The beginning of each new school day brings with it a list of expectations. Teachers want their students to be on time, seated, and ready to work when the school bell rings. A student may raise his or her hand when they want a piece of paper from the teacher. Teachers and students can express their needs in many different ways throughout the school day.

EXCEPTIONAL EXPRESSION:

The word want can signify varying degrees of the same concept. The word want can mean that somebody has a need that must be fulfilled. When a student says that they want to go to the bathroom what they are really saying is that they need to go. The second usage of the word want conveys a strong desire or longing for something. A student may want to win a prize, however they do not require it. Finally, the word want can mean a lack of what is required or essential. For instance, a teacher may tell his or her student that their paper has many grammatical errors and is in want of a good proofreader.

FOLLOW-UPS:

• How is wanting a good grade different from needing a good grade?
• What does it mean when you desire to have the latest novel by an author?
• How does mandating a set of school standards different from wanting a set of school standards?
• What does it mean to yearn for something?

THE SPANISH CONNECTION:

Want is an adaptation of an Old Norse word vanta. The Spanish word for want is not a cognate. But some of the synonyms for want do have Spanish cognates. For example, the cognate of the word need is necesitar.

WORD CHANGES:

1) IDIOMS:

• Waste not, want not

2) COMMON PHRASES:

• Wanted man
• What more do you want?
• Gotta / Have to have it
• I want in / out
• Just where you want them
• To your heart’s desire
• For want of a better word
• Want for nothing

Click here to download the printable version of E4: Want.