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 • 2499 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

How TextRanch works

Fast and reliable proofreading, editing, and language advice tailored to your needs.

1. Choose Your Service

Quick Text Editing

Emails and short texts
Proofreading & editing
Ready in 5-10 minutes

SUBMIT YOUR TEXT NOW

Document Editing

Documents of any type (*.docx)
Advanced & Premium editing
Ready in as little as 4 hours

UPLOAD YOUR DOCUMENT

Ask an Editor

Personalized answers to your language questions
Expert guidance on grammar, style, and usage
Ready in 24 hours

ASK YOUR QUESTION

Upload your document or paste your text directly into our platform. Your text is reviewed and refined by our expert editors (real people, not machines) who understand the nuances of English. Expect corrections, improvements, and insightful suggestions that enhance the clarity, tone, and professionalism of your writing.

3. Receive Your Polished Text

In just a few minutes (or hours for longer documents), you'll receive your corrected text. Review the changes, make any final adjustments, and confidently share your polished English with the world.
You can count on a personalized, friendly service every time you use TextRanch. We're committed to helping you make a great impression with every word you write.

We proofread and edit these types of texts and documents:

Short texts Business Emails Personal Emails Social media posts Resume and Curriculum Vitae Business documents Sales proposal Research and academic papers Thesis Dissertation Essays Articles Blog posts and much more....

Why choose TextRanch?

Complete Privacy

Your texts are safe and secure with us. We never share your information with third parties.

Affordable Pricing

No subscription fees and rates up to 50% cheaper than other online editing services.

100% Satisfaction

We guarantee that you'll be satisfied with the quality of our service or your money back.

Top Customer Service

Our team is here to help you with any questions you may have. Contact us anytime.

Our Customers Love Us!

We have an average rating of 4.79 stars based on 283125 votes, and

4.9 Excellent - Reviews 2.137

"7 years without any disappointment. Always 100% satisfied. You guys are the best in the world at what you do. Thank you so much :)"

Zubair
from Bangladesh

"I wasn't aware of this service, it's fascinating and more reliable than standard IA tools available on the internet"

Arturo
from Mexico

"In a world of text messages and online communication, this is great to have as a live tool. Thank you."

Selena
from USA

"Wow, it's just so excellent. I never would have believed I could have a sure and excellent English companion. Thanks, TextRanch."

Ifiok
from Nigeria

"This is my first time using TextRanch, and I like how the editors take time to correct my text. To everyone who has never used TextRanch before, I highly recommend trying it."

Wilson
from France

"It is an amazing source of feedback because, as a non-native speaker, I really need to have a reliable helper correct my text."

Susan
from Germany

if you wanted to do vs if you want to do