Want to / Would like to
Learn how to use the want to and would like to in English.
Answer the following questions about the interview.
Would like to / Want to
Point 1: Use both 'would like to + verb' and 'want to + verb' to express desires.
- I would like to buy a new car.
- I want to buy a new car.
- I'd like to travel overseas.
- I want to travel overseas.
Point 2: Use both structures to make questions.
- Would would you like to eat? (more polite)
- What do you want to eat?
- Would you like some coffee? (more polite)
- Do you want some coffee?
Point 3: Use both structures to make affirmative statements.
- I would like to sit down. (more polite)
- I want to sit down.
- I'd like to leave. (more polite)
- I want to leave.
Point 4: Usually speakers only use 'want to + verb' in negative statements.
- I don't want to watch TV.
- I don't want to study.
- She doesn't want to work here.
- They don't want to go out.
Point 5: In Yes / No questions, the auxiliary verb must match the question form.
- Would you like to have a pet?
- Yes, I would.
- No, I wouldn't.
- Do you want a pet?
- Yes, I do.
- No, I don't.
About the Teacher
My name is Todd Beuckens and I am an ESL teacher in Thailand. I created this site to provide teachers and students free audio lessons and learning materials not usually found in commercial textbooks.