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What Does It Mean When Someone Says “I Wanted To”? When somebody says “I wanted to,” it means that they wished they could partake in an event, but now that event might have changed. The reason it could have changed might be down to personal difficulties or a friend canceling or changing the plan.
Mar 28, 2024 · The phrases “I wanted to” and “I want to” show different times when someone has a desire to do something. “I want to” is used when talking about a wish or a need in the present. For example, if you say, “I want to learn English,” it means you have a current desire to learn the language.
Mar 15, 2019 · In that sentence, the event happening in the future is expressed by "to go out with him tomorrow night", where the verb go is in the infinitive form. The past-tense verb wanted describes what Tony felt (or what Tony expressed feeling). It isn't referring to a future event.
Aug 17, 2021 · "I just wanted..." is a common way to approach a difficult topic or conversation. For example, it might be embarrassing to compliment someone unexpectedly. "I just wanted to say, I really like your shirt." Or it might seem insulting to point out a problem to someone, but you need to do it.
“I wanted to know (I was wondering)” is an example of being indirect for politeness. Just as you said, if you are talking to a respected person, or a stranger, this is an appropriate way to speak or write. Some people say it is too indirect and an obsolete way to speak, but this is not universal.
Explanation of the English phrase "I wanted to (do something)": A very polite way to explain why you're doing something is "I wanted to ___". For example: Hi Jen. I wanted to see if you'd like to come out with Emma and I and some friends of ours to a show next week.
WANT meaning: 1. to wish for a particular thing or plan of action. "Want" is not used in polite requests: 2. to…. Learn more.
