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I Want You to Vs I Need You to

I Want You to Vs I Need You to

Does “I want you to join our team” mean the same as “I need you to join our team”?

The difference between ‘I want you to’ and ‘I need you to’

English learners often use these two sentences alternatively. Are they the same?

They don’t mean the same at all. “To want” and “to need” don’t mean the same thing. To differentiate between them, you have to keep in mind that:

“Need” suggests necessity. “Want” doesn’t.

So, if you say “I want you to join our team” that means you are inviting someone. If he/she joins, you’ll be glad.

But, if you say “I need you to join our team”, it means you are urging someone to join the team and he/she is important. It’s necessary for you that the person joins the team. Otherwise, you or the team may suffer a loss.

I want you to + (verb)

‘I want you to’ is telling someone that you have a desire or would like for them to do something.

The following examples may help you understand better:

“I want you to tell me a story.”
“I want you to feed the dog.”
“I want you to call me once you get there.”
“I want you to explain what happened.”

I need you to + (verb)

By using the word ‘need’ instead of ‘want’ you are expressing something that is required.

I need you to

See these examples:

“I need you to keep your focus.”
“I need you to listen to me.”
“I need you to sign here.”
“I need you to be there.”

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Written by:

Harry
Harry Bikul
Postgraduated from Jahangirnagar University. Loves blogging and reading other people's writing. Spends leisure time watching good movies. Wants to travel around the world.

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