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

Would like is used with infinitives to request or wish for an action.

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. I _____ ice cream.

Question 1 of 10

Question 2 of 10

2. They __________ eat right now.

Question 2 of 10

Question 3 of 10

3. Joe ________ go to the store.

Question 3 of 10

Question 4 of 10

4. I ___________ a glass of milk, please.

Question 4 of 10

Question 5 of 10

5. Susie ________ talk with us about something.

Question 5 of 10

Question 6 of 10

6. They ________ some food.

Question 6 of 10

Question 7 of 10

7. _________ you ______ a break?

Question 7 of 10

Question 8 of 10

8. We ________ pizza for dinner.

Question 8 of 10

Question 9 of 10

9. ____ they _____ go to the beach?

Question 9 of 10

Question 10 of 10

10. Frank and Joe _______ play together.

Question 10 of 10


 

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