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Using 'Want' and 'Want to' in Sentences

Aug 31, 2025

Overview

This lecture explains when to use "want" and "want to" in English sentences, focusing on the rule about including another verb.

Using "want" Without Another Verb

  • Use "want" alone when there is no second verb in the sentence.
  • Example: "They want a new car." ("want" is followed by a noun, not a verb.)
  • Example: "I want a dog." ("want" followed by a noun.)
  • Example: "She wants a house."
  • Example: "He wants a business book."

Using "want to" With Another Verb

  • Use "want to" when it is followed by another verb (infinitive form).
  • Example: "They want to drive it." ("drive" is the second verb.)
  • Example: "I want to play with it." ("play" is the second verb.)
  • Example: "She wants to decorate it." ("decorate" is the second verb.)
  • Example: "He wants to read it." ("read" is the second verb.)

Key Terms & Definitions

  • Verb — a word that expresses an action or state (e.g., drive, play, read).
  • Infinitive — the base form of a verb, usually with "to" (e.g., to drive, to decorate).

Action Items / Next Steps

  • Practice making sentences using "want" and "want to" based on whether a second verb is present.
  • Review examples and repeat them aloud for better understanding.