"if you want to do" vs "if you wanted to do something"

Question

"if you want to do" vs "if you wanted to do something"

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in different contexts. 'If you want to do' is used to express a present or future possibility, while 'if you wanted to do something' is used to talk about a hypothetical or unreal situation in the past. They are not directly comparable as they serve different purposes.

Last Updated: March 08, 2024

This phrase is used to talk about a present or future action that is possible or likely to happen.

Examples:

If you want to do well in the exam, you need to study hard.
If you want to go out tonight, let me know.
If you want to succeed, you have to work hard.

Alternatives:

if you wish to do
if you desire to do
if you choose to do

This phrase is used to discuss a situation in the past that did not happen, but was a possibility at that time.

Examples:

If you wanted to go to the party, why didn't you?
If you wanted to learn Spanish, you should have taken the class.
If you wanted to travel the world, you should have saved more money.

Alternatives:

if you had wanted to do something
if you had wished to do something
if you had desired to do something

Answer 1

if you want to do

This phrase is correct and commonly used to express a present or future possibility.

Answer 2

if you wanted to do something

This phrase is correct and is used to talk about a hypothetical or unreal situation in the past.

"if you want to do" vs "if you wanted to do something"

if you want to do

if you wanted to do something

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