"I wanted to say hello" vs "I just wanted to say hello"

Question

"I wanted to say hello" vs "I just wanted to say hello"

Both phrases are correct, but they convey slightly different meanings. "I wanted to say hello" implies a simple desire to greet someone, while "I just wanted to say hello" emphasizes the immediacy or sincerity of the greeting. The addition of "just" in the second phrase adds a sense of urgency or emphasis to the act of saying hello.

Last Updated: March 26, 2024

This phrase is used to express a desire or intention to greet someone.

Examples:

I wanted to say hello, but I was too shy.
She wanted to say hello, but he walked away too quickly.

Alternatives:

I intended to say hello.
I meant to say hello.

This phrase is used to emphasize the immediacy or sincerity of the greeting.

Examples:

I just wanted to say hello before you left.
She just wanted to say hello to make sure you were okay.

Alternatives:

I simply wanted to say hello.
I only wanted to say hello.

Answer 1

I wanted to say hello

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

Answer 2

I just wanted to say hello

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

"I wanted to say hello" vs "I just wanted to say hello"

I wanted to say hello

I just wanted to say hello

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