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Topic: Need / Want |
6 March 2003 |
Need and want
have similar usage; however, they are slightly different in meanings.
That's why they have found their way to this column.
Need and want are verbs. We can use both of them with to-infinitives or nouns.
For example:
We want to go to Pattaya for the weekend.
We need to go to Pattaya for the weekend.
They want new shoes.
They need new shoes.
She wants to buy some coffee.
She needs to buy some coffee.
She wants some coffee.
She needs some coffee.
The two verbs show desire to do something or for something.
Need is stronger than want.
It shows necessity. From the first pair of examples,
the sentence "We want to go to Pattaya for the weekend."
shows the pure desire to go on a vacation. On the other hand,
"We need to go to Pattaya for the weekend."
can be inferred that 'we' have to go on business. 'We' might not want to go,
but 'we' have to against their will.
From the last pair of examples, "She wants some coffee."
means that 'she' desires some coffee. She will be happy if she gets to drink a cup of coffee.
On the other hand, "She needs some coffee."
conveys the meaning that she is awfully sleepy and might fall asleep on the spot
if she didn't get to drink some coffee.
Note:
Need + to infinitives/ nouns
Want + to do something / something
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Exercise: Need and Want |
| Directions : Complete the sentences with the most appropriate words. |
 1.I _______ to go to the toilet. |
| 2.You look really pale and skinny. You _______ to eat more. |
| 3.We have always _______ to go to Paris. |
| 4.I do not have lectures on Monday mornings, so I dont _______ to get up early. |
| 5.He doesnt _______ to baby-sit unless he absolutely has to. |
| 6.The baby _______ to be washed and changed. |
| 7.I do not _______ to spend all day in a museum. |
| 8.I _______ to finish this assignment tonight because the deadline is tomorrow. |
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Answers |
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