What would you like to drink? - Paraphrases

Question

Hi teachers,Would these paraphrases be possible to explain to the students the given sentence?a) What do you want to drink? ('Want' expresses immediacy, doesn't it?)b) What do you prefer to drink? (the preference expressed with the verb 'prefer' could be right now, and temporary, couldn't it?)Thanks in advance.

Surfer · Accepted Answer

Tenacious Learnera) What do you want to drink? ('Want' expresses immediacy, doesn't it?)

No, not necessairly. However, and in contexts where one is talking to guests or visitors, want is not usually used, as it is rather direct and sounds as thuogh people are seeking to eat or drink, which is not a nicest thing to imply to a guest. This is why such questions are usually made with would.

Tenacious Learnerb) What do you prefer to drink? (the preference expressed with the verb 'prefer' could be right now, and temporary, couldn't it?)

It could. I understand, however, that preferences are more of an ongoing thing rather than a temporary feeling.
In this one, too, would would be more appropriate than want.

Tenacious Learner · Answer

Hi Surfer,
Thanks for your reply and comments.

I have no intention to substitute that paraphrase for the original one; it is just to explain it to the students.

TL

Jessica Ojeda · Answer

a) What do you want to drink? ('Want' expresses immediacy, doesn't it?)

"What do you want to drink?" doesn't express immediacy really, but what is does do is look for an exact answer. I assume the question "Would you like something to drink?" would have already been asked and the answer was apparently "yes".

Conversation:
Mike: Would you like something to drink?
Jennie: Sure.
Mike Option 1: What do you want to drink? (this would express that Mike is a very casual speaker or that he feels Jennie is a close friend or acquaintance.
Mike Option 2: What would you like to drink? (this expresses a bit of formality and it could suggest that Mike treats Jennie with respect and it could also suggest that Mike doesn't feel at ease with Jennie. He could be a bit nervous.
Jennie Response to Option 1: I'll have a coke if you've got one. (very relaxed and informal)
Jennie Response to Option 2: I'd like a glass of water please. (highly formal and polite)

Jessica Ojeda · Answer

b) What do you prefer to drink? (the preference expressed with the verb 'prefer' could be right now, and temporary, couldn't it?)

"What do you prefer to drink?" doesn't express to me whether there is urgency or not. If we substitute this sentence into the same dialogue as I used for your example with "want" here's what we get:

Conversation:
Mike: Would you like something to drink?
Jennie: Sure.
Mike Option 1: What do you prefer to drink, soda or juice? (the use of "prefer" here suggests that options will be given. Mike also seems formal but relaxed with this question.)
Mike Option 2: What would you prefer to drink, soda or juice? (this expresses formality and it could suggest that Mike treats Jennie with respect and it could also suggest that Mike doesn't feel at ease with Jennie. He could be a bit nervous.)
Jennie Response to Option 1: I'd like a soda please. (very relaxed, yet formal)
Jennie Response to Option 2: I prefer juice. (highly formal, polite, and to the point)

What would you like to drink? - Paraphrases

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