Using want

[cbbm2009]

Using want
APRIL 5, 2012
Infinitive with to

After want, we normally use an infinitive with to.

I want to go. (NOT I want go.) (NOT I want going.)
I want to come back here again.
She wants to be a pilot.
Want cannot be followed by that-clauses, but we can use an object + infinitive structure.

I want him to go now.
Do you want me to make you some tea? (NOT Do you want that I make you some coffee?)
I don’t want him to come here again.
I want you to be my queen.
Want can be followed by an object + complement.

We want him dead or alive.
I want him back.
I want the job finished by Tuesday.
When the object complement is a noun, we use to be or as before it.

I want you to be my girlfriend.
OR I want you as my girlfriend.
In British English, want can mean ‘need’. In this case, it can be followed by an –ing form.

Your hair wants cutting. (= Your hair needs to be cut.)
That carpet wants a clean. (= That carpet needs to be cleaned.)
Note that we do not use want in polite offers or requests.

Would you like some help? (NOT Would you want some help?)