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want

Infinitive with to​

After want, we normally use an infinitive with to.

  • I don’t want to come back here ever again. (not I don’t want come back …)

That-clauses are not normally used after want, but an object + infinitive structure (see here) is possible.

  • Do you want me to make you some coffee? (not Do you want (that) I make you some coffee?)
  • I don’t want that woman to come here.

In American English, a structure with for + object + infinitive is also possible.

  • Do you want for me to make you some coffee?

Structure with object complement​

Want can be followed by an object together with a complement (adjective, adverbial or past participle) to express ideas such as change or result.

  • She doesn’t want him back.
  • We want the job finished by Tuesday.
  • They wanted him dead.
  • I want her out of there now.

To be or as is used before a noun complement.

  • I want you to be my friend. (or … as my friend.) (not I want you my friend.)

want meaning ‘need’​

In informal British English, we can say that a thing ‘wants’ (= needs) something, particularly with reference to actions.

  • That car wants a clean.
  • Your hair wants a good brush.

In this case, want can be followed by an -ing form (like need, (see here).

  • This coat wants cleaning. (= … needs to be cleaned.)

I wanna hold your hand​

In informal speech, want to often sounds like ‘wanna’. It is sometimes spelt like this in order to represent conversational pronunciation – for example in comic strips.

note

For to used instead of a whole infinitive (e.g. I don’t want to, thanks), (see here).

For want and will, (see here).