English - Lesson 11 of 139: Wants and Needs

I want ___.

State a basic want

Meaning: State a basic want.

When to use: Use it when you want a thing, like water, coffee, help, or a ticket.

Tip: Use “I want ___” for a thing. For an action, use “I want to ___.”

I want water.

I want a sandwich.

I want to ___.

State a desired action

Meaning: State a desired action.

When to use: Use it when you want to do something.

Tip: After “I want to,” use an action word: “eat,” “go,” “try,” “sleep.”

I want to eat.

I want to rest.

I don't want ___.

State that something is not wanted

Meaning: State that something is not wanted.

When to use: Use it to refuse something or say it is not your choice.

I don't want coffee.

I don't want a bag.

I need ___.

State a basic need

Meaning: State a basic need.

When to use: Use it for something important or necessary.

I need help.

I need water.

I need to ___.

State a necessary action

Meaning: State a necessary action.

When to use: Use it when you must do something.

I need to go.

I need to call Anna.

Can I have ___?

Ask for something politely

Meaning: Ask for something politely.

When to use: Use it in cafés, shops, homes, or anywhere you ask for something.

Tip: This is a question, so use a question voice and a question mark in writing.

Can I have water?

Can I have a menu?

I would like ___.

Express a polite want

Meaning: Express a polite want.

When to use: Use it when ordering, asking, or speaking a little more politely.

I would like tea.

I would like a ticket.

Do you want ___?

Ask about another person's want

Meaning: Ask about another person's want.

When to use: Use it to offer something or check a person’s choice.

Do you want coffee?

Do you want this seat?

Do you need ___?

Ask about another person's need

Meaning: Ask about another person's need.

When to use: Use it to offer help or check if something is necessary.

Do you need help?

Do you need water?

What do you want?

Ask what someone wants

Meaning: Ask what someone wants.

When to use: Use it when you want another person to choose or tell you their wish.

What do you want?

Anna, what do you want?

Can I try ___?

Ask permission to try something

Meaning: Ask permission to try something.

When to use: Use it when you want to test, taste, wear, or use something before choosing.

Can I try this?

Can I try the soup?

Let's ___.

Make a simple suggestion

Meaning: Make a simple suggestion.

When to use: Use it when you want to suggest doing something together.

Let's go.

Let's sit here.

More, please.

Ask for an additional amount

Meaning: Ask for an additional amount.

When to use: Use it when you want more food, drink, time, or another amount.

More, please.

This is good. More, please.

English - Wants and Needs

1. Reading + Listening Practice

2. Conversational Listening Practice

3. Guided Practice

You want a thing: water. Which phrase fits?

You want to do an action: eat. Which phrase fits?

You are ordering politely. Which phrase is best?

You want to offer help to David. Which question fits?

Anna is thirsty at the café. She says: I need water.

David offers Anna coffee, but she does not want it. Anna says: I don't want coffee.

Anna and David are ready to leave the café together. David says: Let's go.

Match the core phrases

Match the extra phrases

4. Speaking Practice