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Tmn111 Posted 17 years ago
Grammar

Would want/would like

Is there any difference in meaning between those two phrases?

I would want to go there.
I would like to go there.

I don't understand what context "would want" may convey.

Thanks.
  

Top answer

"would like to" is more common and is a standard way of expressing a desire to do something. "would want to" feels more tentative or hypothetical. It might typically be used when describing an imagined situation rather than expressing a direct wish: "If I was boss of this company I'd want to know exactly where the money went"; "I don't think I'd want to spend a whole weekend there".

— Mr Wordy

  • "would like to" is more common and is a standard way of expressing a desire to do something.
  • "would want to" feels more tentative or hypothetical.
  • It might typically be used when describing an imagined situation rather than expressing a direct wish: "If I was boss of this company I'd want to know exactly where the money went"; "I don't think I'd want to spend a whole weekend there".
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1 Answers
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"would like to" is more common and is a standard way of expressing a desire to do something.

"would want to" feels more tentative or hypothetical. It might typically be used when describing an imagined situation rather than expressing a direct wish: "If I was boss of this company I'd want to know exactly where the money went"; "I don't think I'd want to spend a whole weekend there".
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