Greetings, language adventurers! Have you ever felt that the phrase “I want” sounds a little too blunt or simple? Do you wish to express your desires and wishes in a more nuanced, polished, and interesting way? Could learning various ways to express “I want” in English make your conversations richer and more engaging? You bet it can! Variety is the spice of life, and the same holds true for language. Let’s take this journey together to discover different ways of saying “I want,” and bring your English conversations to life!
Now, let’s dive into this exciting list of 25 friendlier, commonly used phrases to express “I want” in English, each accompanied by an example:
1. I’d like – Polite, often used in requests.
Example: I’d like a cup of coffee.
2. I desire – Formal or poetic.
Example: I desire your company.
3. I wish – Strong desire for something not likely to happen.
Example: I wish I could fly.
4. I’d love – Strong desire, informal and friendly.
Example: I’d love a slice of pie.
5. I fancy – Informal, mainly British English.
Example: I fancy a walk in the park.
6. I crave – Used when you really want something.
Example: I crave chocolate ice cream.
7. I’m dying for – Informal, you want something very much.
Example: I’m dying for a vacation.
8. I’m up for – Informal, you’re eager or willing to do something.
Example: I’m up for a game of chess.
9. I yearn for – Formal or poetic, a deep desire.
Example: I yearn for peace.
10. I hanker after – Informal, you have a strong desire for something.
Example: I hanker after adventure.
11. I’m after – Informal, you’re looking to get or achieve something.
Example: I’m after a new job.
12. I’m in need of – You need something very much.
Example: I’m in need of some rest.
13. I could use – Informal, you need something.
Example: I could use a helping hand.
14. I long for – You very much want something.
Example: I long for the good old days.
15. I’m game for – Informal, you’re eager to do something.
Example: I’m game for a night out.
16. I’m itching for – Informal, you want to do something very much.
Example: I’m itching for a road trip.
17. I pine for – Formal or poetic, you want something you don’t have.
Example: I pine for my homeland.
18. I’m partial to – Informal, you have a preference for something.
Example: I’m partial to Italian food.
19. I’m set on – You’ve decided you want something.
Example: I’m set on buying this car.
20. I feel like – Informal, you want to do something.
Example: I feel like watching a movie.
21. I’m drawn to – You have a strong attraction to something.
Example: I’m drawn to arts and crafts.
22. I’m inclined to – You have a tendency to want something.
Example: I’m inclined to stay at home tonight.
23. I’m keen on – You’re enthusiastic about something.
Example: I’m keen on learning French.
24. I thirst for – Poetic or dramatic, you want something very much.
Example: I thirst for knowledge.
25. I’m bent on – You’re determined to achieve something.
Example: I’m bent on finishing this book tonight.
Additional alternative:
- I ache for – Dramatic, you want something very much.
Example: I ache for some tranquility. - I’m desperate for – You want something very much.
Example: I’m desperate for your approval. - I’m into – Informal, you like and are interested in something.
Example: I’m into yoga lately. - I’m starving for – Informal, you want something very much.
Example: I’m starving for some attention. - I’m hooked on – Informal, you’re addicted to something.
Example: I’m hooked on this TV show. - I can’t resist – You find something very tempting.
Example: I can’t resist chocolate chip cookies. - I have a taste for – You want something specific.
Example: I have a taste for spicy food. - I’m smitten with – Informal, you’re in love with someone. Example: I’m smitten with her.
- I have a weakness for – You can’t resist something.
Example: I have a weakness for ice cream. - I’m taken with – You’re attracted or impressed by someone or something.
Example: I’m taken with this idea.
In conclusion, mastering different ways to express “I want” can transform your English conversations, making them more expressive, engaging, and nuanced. Practice these phrases and let your language skills blossom. Remember, language is a wonderful journey – enjoy every step!
