want / want to

Saying What Someone Wants

Level 3

Want can take a noun or a to-verb phrase: I want tea; I want to rest. Casual Singlish also permits some bare-verb want frames; do not label those wrong without considering their local construction.

How It Works

Want can name a desired thing or introduce a desired action. I want tea names the thing, while I want to rest names the action. These familiar forms remain useful even though casual Singlish also permits some bare-verb want constructions.

Do not equate wanting with having permission or being able. I want to leave does not say that leaving is allowed. A short Want or Don't want can answer an offer when the thing is already clear. The choice between direct wanting and a softer request depends on the interaction, not on an automatic rule that every want clause is rude.

Examples (4)

  1. I want tea.

    I would like tea.

  2. She wants to rest.

    She wishes to rest; the shared full form remains available.

  3. You want go now or later?

    Do you want to go now or later, in a casual bare-verb frame?

  4. Want another cup? Don't want, thanks.

    Would you like another cup? No, thank you.

How It Connects

Tap a pattern to see what it builds on and what it leads to.

want / want toLevel 3Saying What Someone Wants

Learn This First

Distinguish what is necessary from what a person desires.

Learn Next

Patterns that build on this one.