I wanted to write you an email vs I want to write you an email

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in different contexts. 'I wanted to write you an email' is in the past tense, indicating a desire that existed in the past. 'I want to write you an email' is in the present tense, indicating a current desire or intention. The choice between the two depends on whether you are referring to a past desire or a current one.

Last updated: March 31, 2024 • 1897 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used when referring to a desire that existed in the past.

"I wanted to write you an email"

This phrase is used to express a past desire or intention to write an email to someone.

Examples:

I wanted to write you an email yesterday, but I ran out of time.
She wanted to write you an email last week, but she forgot.
He wanted to write you an email before he left for vacation.

Show examples from the web [+]

There was that amazing "Times" review and I wanted to write you an email, but I'm sure you probably get enough of those emails, so...
No, I wanted to call, write an email.
There was that amazing Times review and I wanted to write you an e-mail, but I bet you're probably getting enough of those e-mails, so...
To think I wanted to write my thesis about you.
I wanted to say you were kind to write.
You're the reason why I wanted to write.
So, I wanted to write about her.
I mean, I wanted to write about flowers.
I wanted to write to the Secretary.
I wanted to write a piece about her.
I wanted to see if you were available tomorrow, to write.
I wanted to write about all the kids I interviewed.
That's what I wanted to write on your first page.
I wanted to write about the other end of the horse.
I've wanted to write you for a long tlme.
I wanted to write a book about the murder of a retired rock and roll star.
I had to write my last paper, but all I wanted to do was hole up and hide.
I wanted to write but was ashamed
This is why I wanted to write it down.
He asked if I wanted to write a piece on the fashions of the evening.

Alternatives:

I had wanted to write you an email
I was planning to write you an email
I intended to write you an email

This phrase is correct and commonly used when referring to a current desire or intention to write an email.

"I want to write you an email"

This phrase is used to express a current desire or intention to write an email to someone.

Examples:

I want to write you an email to discuss the project.
She wants to write you an email with some important information.
He wants to write you an email to thank you for your help.

Show examples from the web [+]

Anyway, I was very impressed with the way you handled things yesterday, so I want to write you a check for your campaign.
I want to write you many things, but one thing most of all.
There was that amazing "Times" review and I wanted to write you an email, but I'm sure you probably get enough of those emails, so...
The next project I want to show was given to me in an email from a stranger.
I want to write you a letter, a really nice letter about how much Dad and I love you and how great it would be for both of us if you would just go.
I want to write a martial-arts serial.
I want to write a book about Fred about his formative experiences.
I want to write rhymes about Nigeria.
I want to write so only she sees.
Don't stop pitching! I want to write that story.
I want to write something a bit more free, less constrained.
I want to write for Harper's one day.
I want to write about things that matter, like politics and the environment.
I want to write her a song on my guitar...
Father, I want to write a card to mother.
That takes precedence over the books I want to write.
I want to write that story.
I want to write about this really interesting world.
I want to write about people that matter.
Yes, and I want to write it myself.

Alternatives:

I would like to write you an email
I plan to write you an email
I am going to write you an email

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I wanted to write you an email vs I want to write you an email