The Best Guide on How to Use Want and Would like

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In English, want and would like mean the same thing. The both are used to describe the desire for something or the desire to do something.

However, want and would like are not used in exactly the same way.

In general, “would like” is more polite than saying “want”.

Want (to)

Want is a simple and direct way to expresses offers and requests.[1]https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/would-like

In general, you can use it to state facts.

However, you need to be careful when using it as it can seem selfish and rude depending on the context.

Nouns

Want is used with nouns to express the desire for an object or offer an object.

Form:

Want + noun

For example:

  • I want
    a dog.
  • She wants
    a boyfriend.
  • What
    do you want for your birthday?

Infinitives

Want is used with infinitive verbs to express the desire to do an activity or offer to do an activity.

Form:

Want + infinitive verb

For example:

  • Sam wants
    to swim in the ocean.
  • Do
    you want to eat with me?
  • They want
    to learn     English.

Would Like (to)

Would like is a modal verb. It is an indirect and polite way to talk about requests and wishes.[2]https://www.italki.com/question/106216?hl=en

In general, it is used to talk about something imagined.

Nouns

Would like is used with nouns to request or wish for something.

Form:

Would like + noun

For example:

  • I would
    like     a piece of cake.
  • They would
    like     some food.
  • What would
    you like for Christmas?

Infinitives

People use would like with infinitives to request an action or express a wish.

Form:

Would like + infinitive verb

For example:

  • Would you
    like to swim in the pool with me?
  • Susie would
    like to go     to the mall with her friends.
  • Mark and Frank would like to eat some burgers with fries.

Example Exercises

 10%

Question 1 of 10

1. _________ you ______ a break?

Question 1 of 10

Question 2 of 10

2. Susie ________ talk with us about something.

Question 2 of 10

Question 3 of 10

3. I ___________ a glass of milk, please.

Question 3 of 10

Question 4 of 10

4. Joe ________ go to the store.

Question 4 of 10

Question 5 of 10

5. ____ they _____ go to the beach?

Question 5 of 10

Question 6 of 10

6. They ________ some food.

Question 6 of 10

Question 7 of 10

7. They __________ eat right now.

Question 7 of 10

Question 8 of 10

8. Frank and Joe _______ play together.

Question 8 of 10

Question 9 of 10

9. We ________ pizza for dinner.

Question 9 of 10

Question 10 of 10

10. I _____ ice cream.

Question 10 of 10


 

How did you do?

If some of these questions were tricky don’t worry — this is one of the topics that confuses English learners the most.

Sometimes reading alone isn’t enough. A private one on one lesson can clear up any confusion quickly and help you use this grammar naturally and confidently.

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References[+]