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QUESTION-:She is certainly not wanting _________ confidence.

Mister Micawber · Accepted Answer

Which preposition is your choice?

Anonymous · Answer

with

Ferdis · Answer

I'd say 'for'.

CalifJim · Answer

in<br/><br/>CJ

Philip · Answer

CalifJimin

CJ

Agree, 100%. I would prefer the verb 'lack', which sounds more natural (common?) to me.

Ferdis · Answer

My first thought was 'in', but then I looked it up and it says 'for' is more common: "Want in its meaning of "have need, lack" normally takes for: They'll not want for anything now that they've inherited his estate." So 'in' is better in this particular case? Or is the difference here that with 'wanting in' it is an external observation about her, while with 'wanting for' it is her own (active) lack of need?

Philip · Answer

ferdisMy first thought was 'in', but then I looked it up and it says 'for' is more common: "Want in its meaning of "have need, lack" normally takes for: They'll not want for anything now that they've inherited his estate." So 'in' is better in this particular case? Or is the difference here that with 'wanting in' it is an external observation about her, while with 'wanting for' it is her own (active) lack of need?

Your explanation makes sense! I'm wondering now if I didn't subconsciously suggest 'in' simply because I would use the other verb, 'lack'.

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