"I want..."
In English, it's not really polite to say 'I want!'.
Children are taught 'Those who want don't get.' So we have many different ways to say we want something. Here are ten of them.
Ten ways to say "I want..."
casual · neutral · formal
- I'd really like/I'd love a day offneutralAfter this week, I'd really love a day off.
- I wouldn't mind a...neutralI wouldn't mind a cup of tea.
- I could (really) do with a...casualIt's so hot. I could really do with a king coconut.
- I could use a...casualI could use some help with this report.
- What I'd really like/love is a...neutralWhat I'd really love is a week in Ella.
- All (that) we need is a day offneutralAll we need is a day off and some sunshine.
- Ideally, what I'd like is a day offneutralIdeally, what I'd like is a job near home.
- A _____ would be (much) appreciatedformalA quick reply would be much appreciated.
- A _____ would go down well.casualAfter the match, a cold drink would go down well.
- I'm dying for/longing for...casualstrongI'm dying for a plate of kottu.
How to use them
- is quite strong. The speaker really wants a day off.
- are a little less strong. The speaker still really wants a day off but she is being less forceful.
- In , if you put stress on "really" it is saying that a day off is something that you want in your heart. But if you don't have it you will be okay.
- is saying that if you have (a day off) you will be happy and you will not want anything else.
- is saying that the best thing is for you to have a day off. But is it doesn't happen you will be okay.
- is more formal and more polite. You could use it in a formal letter of request.
- are more informal. is really quite strong and not very polite. It's best to use this with friends and people who you know well.
Quick check
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Which phrase fits a formal email?
"I'm dying for a coffee" means:
"I wouldn't mind a cup of tea" is:
See also: Preferring things · Hoping for something
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