"i want to speak" vs "i wanted to speak"

Question

"i want to speak" vs "i wanted to speak"

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in different contexts. 'I want to speak' is used to express a current desire or intention to speak, while 'I wanted to speak' is used to express a past desire or intention to speak.

Last Updated: March 27, 2024

This phrase is used to convey a present wish or intention to communicate verbally.

Examples:

I want to speak with you about the project.
She wants to speak to the manager regarding her complaint.

Alternatives:

I would like to speak
I wish to speak
I desire to speak
I feel like speaking
I am eager to speak

This phrase is used to convey a previous wish or intention to communicate verbally.

Examples:

I wanted to speak with you yesterday, but you were busy.
She wanted to speak to the teacher after class.

Alternatives:

I wished to speak
I desired to speak
I intended to speak
I felt like speaking
I was eager to speak

Answer 1

i want to speak

This phrase is correct and commonly used to express a current desire or intention to speak.

Answer 2

i wanted to speak

This phrase is correct and commonly used to express a past desire or intention to speak.

"i want to speak" vs "i wanted to speak"

i want to speak

i wanted to speak

Related Comparisons