A comprehensive explanation of the difference between “want” and “would like,” including usage, formality, examples, and tips for expressing desires in English.
Understanding how to express desires clearly and politely is essential in English. Two common ways to do this are using “want” and “would like.” While both indicate a desire for something, they differ in formality and politeness. This article explains the difference and provides examples to help you use them confidently.
What is the difference?
Want is a simple, direct way to express desire. It’s common in everyday speech but can sometimes sound too blunt or impolite, especially with strangers or in formal situations.
Would like is a more polite and formal way to express desire. It’s often used in requests, customer service, and any situation where you want to be courteous.
| Aspect | Want | Would like |
|---|---|---|
| Meaning | Desire or wish for something | Politely express a desire or request |
| Formality | Informal / neutral | Formal / polite |
| Politeness | Can be blunt | Courteous and respectful |
| Common context | Friends, family, casual situations | Restaurants, shops, formal settings |
Which of the following best describes the tone of sentences with "would like" compared to those with "want"?
Courteous and respectful
Sentences with "would like" sound more polite and considerate, while "want" is straightforward and can sometimes be too direct.
How to use “want”
Want is followed by a noun or a verb in the infinitive form (to + verb).
Examples:
- I want a coffee.
- She wants to go out.
- They want new phones.
- We don’t want to be late.
Form:
| Subject | Want form | Example |
|---|---|---|
| I | want | I want a sandwich. |
| You | want | You want water. |
| He/She/It | wants | She wants a ticket. |
| We/They | want | They want to leave. |
Negative:
I don’t want (noun/verb).
She doesn’t want (noun/verb).
Question:
Do you want (noun/verb)?
Does he want (noun/verb)?
How to use “would like”
Would like is followed by a noun or a verb in the infinitive form. It is used for polite requests or when expressing a desire more gently.
Examples:
- I would like a coffee, please.
- She would like to go out tonight.
- They would like new phones.
- We would like to arrive early.
Form:
| Subject | Would like form | Example |
|---|---|---|
| I | would like | I would like a sandwich. |
| You | would like | You would like water? |
| He/She/It | would like | She would like a ticket. |
| We/They | would like | They would like to leave. |
Negative:
I wouldn’t like (noun/verb) – but this is rare; usually use “don’t want.”
More common: “I’d like to not...” or simply “I don’t want...”
Question:
Would you like (noun/verb)?
(“Would” + subject + “like”)
Tips for choosing between them
- Use want for simple, direct statements, especially with people you know well.
- Use would like when you want to be polite, especially with strangers, in restaurants, or formal situations.
- Adding “please” after would like makes the request even more courteous.
- Avoid want in customer service or formal writing; would like is more appropriate.
- In very casual speech among friends, I’d like is still polite but “want” is more common.
Summary
- Want = direct desire (can be blunt)
- Would like = polite, formal desire or request
- Both can be followed by a noun or “to + verb”
- Use “please” with would like for extra politeness
- Choose based on context and relationship
By understanding these differences, you can express your desires clearly and appropriately in any situation.
Can both "want" and "would like" be followed by a noun or "to + verb"?
Yes, both can be followed by either a noun or an infinitive verb.
Grammatically, both structures are allowed. The difference lies in tone, not form.
Last updated: Thu Jun 12, 2025
