Grammar 4-06 | Low Intermediate | CEFR B1

Would like to / Want to

Listen to four short conversations about talking about wants and wishes.

Conversation #1
Man: What do you want to do in the future?
Woman: I’d like to be a chef. I want to have my own restaurant.
Man: What kind of food would you like to cook?
Woman: I’d like to cook Greek food.
Man: Oh, if you do that, I want to eat there.
Woman: I’d like that!

Conversation #2
Man: Who would you like to meet someday?
Woman: I’d like to meet Bill Gates.
Man: What would you ask him?
Woman: I’d ask him about his life. I want to know his secret to success.
Man: I’d like to know that too.
Woman: Here’s hoping!

Conversation #3
Man: Where would you like to live in the future.
Woman: I’d like to live in the country.
Man: What would you do?
Woman: I’d have a farm.
Man: That would be fun!
Woman: Yeah, I want to grow my own food.

Conversation #4
Man: What would you like to drink?
Woman: I’d like an iced tea please.
Man: Do you want sugar with that?
Woman: No, but I’d like some lemon.
Man: Would you like a straw?
Woman: No, thanks.

Would like to / Want to

Point 1: Use both 'would like to + verb' and 'want to + verb' to express desires.
  1. I would like to buy a new car.
  2. I want to buy a new car.
  3. I'd like to travel overseas.
  4. I want to travel overseas.
Point 2: Use both structures to make questions.
  1. Would would you like to eat? (more polite)
  2. What do you want to eat?
  3. Would you like some coffee? (more polite)
  4. Do you want some coffee?
Point 3: Use both structures to make affirmative statements.
  1. I would like to sit down. (more polite)
  2. I want to sit down.
  3. I'd like to leave. (more polite)
  4. I want to leave.
Point 4: Usually speakers only use 'want to + verb' in negative statements.
  1. I don't want to watch TV.
  2. I don't want to study.
  3. She doesn't want to work here.
  4. They don't want to go out.
Point 5: In Yes / No questions, the auxiliary verb must match the question form.
  • Would you like to have a pet?
  • Yes, I would.
  • No, I wouldn't.
  • Do you want a pet?
  • Yes, I do.
  • No, I don't.
Answer the following questions about the interview.