5 phrases · A1 · A2 · B1

Saying what you want in English

Every phrase below is a fixed shape you can fill in and use immediately, ordered from the simplest to the most advanced. Each one carries what it means in English and in Hindi, three examples that vary the slot, and the situations it actually gets said in.

The phrases

Simplest first. The braces mark the part you change.

  • I want to {VERB}

    A1

    Say what you would like to do.

    मैं ___ करना चाहता/चाहती हूँ।

    • I want to learn English properly this year.
    • I want to speak to the manager.
    • I want to change my job.

    As a question: What do you want to do?

    In the negative: I don't want to argue about it.

    Anywhere · say it as: I want to / learn English · used everyday life, at work, shops and services

  • I'd like to {VERB}

    A2

    Say what you want — politely. The grown-up version of "I want to".

    मैं ___ करना चाहूँगा/चाहूँगी।

    • I'd like to apply for this position.
    • I'd like to know more about the timings.
    • I'd like to speak to somebody from the accounts team.

    As a question: What would you like to do?

    In the negative: I'd rather not say.

    Polite — strangers, seniors, customers · say it as: I'd like to / apply for this · used interviews, shops and services, on the phone

  • I feel like {-ING}

    A2

    Say what you are in the mood for.

    मेरा ___ करने का मन है।

    • I feel like going out tonight.
    • I feel like taking a short break.
    • I feel like eating something sweet.

    In the negative: I don't feel like cooking today.

    With friends · say it as: I feel like / going out tonight · used everyday life, at work

  • I'd rather {VERB}

    B1

    Say which of two things you prefer.

    मैं ___ करना ज़्यादा पसंद करूँगा/करूँगी।

    • I'd rather stay home tonight.
    • I'd rather talk about it tomorrow.
    • I'd rather do it myself.

    As a question: Would you rather work from home or from the office?

    In the negative: I'd rather not discuss it.

    Anywhere · say it as: I'd rather / stay home tonight · used at work, everyday life

  • I'm hoping to {VERB}

    B1

    Say what you want, while admitting it is not certain.

    मैं ___ करने की उम्मीद कर रहा/रही हूँ।

    • I'm hoping to finish by Friday.
    • I'm hoping to move closer to work next year.
    • I'm hoping to hear back this week.

    Polite — strangers, seniors, customers · say it as: I'm hoping to / finish by Friday · used interviews, at work

What goes wrong

The versions that get said instead, and why they land differently.

Commonly saidCorrect English

I want that you come with me.

I want you to come with me.

After "want", the other person takes "to + verb". English does not use "that" here.

I am wanting to go.

I want to go.

"Want" describes a state, not an action in progress, so it does not take -ing.

I would like to went.

I'd like to go.

After "would like to", the verb stays plain.

I feel like to go out.

I feel like going out.

After "feel like", a verb takes -ing.

I'd rather to stay home.

I'd rather stay home.

After "would rather", the verb is plain — no "to".

Where you will need these

The same phrases, sorted by the room you are standing in.

More phrase groups on the phrases index, or browse by situation on the speaking pages.

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