English · A1 · verb · 4 minutes
Want: present tense
Express desires with want/wants plus a noun or to-infinitive.
Understand the choice
Want states a desire or intention. Would like is softer in requests, while want is neutral for personal goals and firm preferences.
Core rule: Want takes a noun or to + base verb; add -s only with he/she/it in affirmative present.
Notice it in context
I want to learn English, and she wants a new book.
Quiero aprender inglés y ella quiere un libro nuevo.
Want supports to learn; wants agrees with she and takes noun book.
Do you want coffee or tea?
Which drink would you choose?
Do starts the question; want stays base.
They want to visit the museum tomorrow.
A museum visit is their plan for tomorrow.
They takes want; to visit is infinitive complement.
What to remember
- Want someone to do something uses object + to-infinitive.
- Would like often replaces want in service encounters.
Common trap: Do not omit to before a following action: want to learn.