if you wanted to do vs if you want to do

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in slightly different contexts. 'If you wanted to do' is used when talking about a hypothetical situation or a past desire, while 'if you want to do' is used when talking about a current or future desire.

Last updated: March 08, 2024 • 2527 views

This phrase is correct and is used when referring to a hypothetical situation or a past desire.

"if you wanted to do"

This phrase is used when discussing a situation that is not currently true or a desire that was present in the past. It implies a condition that may not be applicable at the present moment.

Examples:

If you wanted to do well in the exam, you should have studied more.
If you wanted to go to the party, you should have told me earlier.

Show examples from the web [+]

“if you wanted to do something absolutely honest, something true, it always turned out to be a thing that had to be done alone.” ― Richard Yates, Revolutionary ...
“if you wanted to do something absolutely honest, something true, it always turned out to be a thing that had to be done alone.” ― Richard Yates, Revolutionary ...
If you wanted to do something really huge . . . for someone . . . or for a project . . . for me. [A beat.] Eugene Simonet: Trevor, she made a choice. Trevor McKinney: ...
Nov 10, 2014 ... ... for maths and physics within the next three years, she said: “If you wanted to do something, or even if you didn't know what you wanted to do, ...

Alternatives:

If you had wanted to do
If you were to want to do

This phrase is correct and is used when referring to a current or future desire.

"if you want to do"

This phrase is used when discussing a situation that is currently true or a desire that is present at the moment. It implies a condition that is applicable in the present or future.

Examples:

If you want to do well in the exam, you need to study hard.
If you want to go to the party, let me know.

Show examples from the web [+]

If you want to do really important things in life and big things in life, you can't do anything by yourself. And your best teams are your friends and your siblings.
If You Want to Do Something Really Big. John Hewko. From the June 2013 Issue. SAVE; SHARE; COMMENT · TEXT SIZE; PRINT; 6. BUY PDF. If You Want to ...
If you want to do this, then you have to be creative about how it can be possible. Maybe you want a delicious cake. Well, then first you should imagine that you're ...
You have to plan if you want to do more: you need to know what you want to accomplish and what steps you'll need to get there. When goal setting, think in ...

Alternatives:

If you wish to do
If you desire to do

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if you wanted to do vs if you want to do