Guide 54 / 200 6 swaps Formal register

Professional words for “want”

Six verbs that raise "want" into a business claim.

i · When it mattersTwo lines, no filler

"Want" reads personal. In a proposal or requirements doc, prefer "require," "seek," "aim to," "prefer" — each with a different kind of weight.

ii · The swaps6 ways

01

Require formal

a firm condition

The role requires five years of Rust.
02

Seek formal

pursue actively

We seek a design partner in financial services.
03

Aim to neutral

target for

We aim to close by Q4.
04

Prefer neutral

choose over alternatives

We prefer candidates with SRE experience.
05

Desire formal

formal want — old-fashioned, careful

The firm desires clarity on these terms.
06

Intend formal

plan to

We intend to publish the results in June.