When expressing desire in English, both want and would like are commonly used, but they differ in tone and formality.
- Want is more direct and can sound stronger or more urgent.
- Would like is more polite and softer, often used in formal situations or when being courteous.
Want: direct desire
Want expresses a clear and straightforward desire. It is commonly used in everyday conversation but can sometimes sound too blunt, especially in polite contexts.
- Use want followed by a noun, pronoun, or verb in the -ing form (e.g., want to eat).
- Avoid using want in very formal situations or with people you don’t know well, as it may come across as rude.
- Contractions like I want ... are common in spoken English.
Examples
| English Example | Explanation |
|---|---|
| I want a coffee. | Simple, direct desire for a coffee. |
| She wants to go home. | Clear statement of her desire to leave. |
| They want more time. | Direct request or wish for additional time. |
Would like: polite and softened desire
Would like is a polite and more formal way to express desire. It is often used in customer service, restaurants, or any situation where politeness is important.
- Use would like followed by a noun or to + base verb.
- It is less forceful than want and sounds more considerate.
- Can be contracted to I’d like, we’d like, etc.
Examples
| English Example | Explanation |
|---|---|
| I would like a coffee. | Polite request for a coffee. |
| She would like to go home. | Softened, polite expression of her desire. |
| We would like more time. | Courteous way to ask for extra time. |
Comparing “Want” and “Would like”
- Want* = straightforward, strong desire (may sound rude if not careful).
- Would like* = polite, softer desire (preferred in formal or unknown settings).
- Would like* uses a conditional/modal structure, adding a level of politeness by implying “if it’s possible.”
- Want is more common in casual speech; would like* is more common in polite requests.
Side-by-side examples
| Want | Would like | Politeness Level |
|---|---|---|
| I want a sandwich. | I would like a sandwich. | Would like* is more polite. |
| Do you want dessert? | Would you like dessert? | Would you like* is gentler. |
| We want to leave now. | We would like to leave now. | Would like* softens the tone. |
Summary
- Use want for direct, clear expressions of desire in casual contexts.
- Use would like for polite, respectful requests, especially with strangers or in formal situations.
- Both are correct, but choosing the right one depends on the social context and the tone you want to convey.
Flashcards (1 of 6)
- Explanation: Simple, direct desire for a coffee.
- English Example: I want a coffee.
Last updated: Wed Jun 18, 2025
