"Just want to talk" vs "Just wanted to talk"

Question

"Just want to talk" vs "Just wanted to talk"

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in different contexts. 'Just wanted to talk' is past tense, indicating that the desire to talk was in the past. 'Just want to talk' is present tense, indicating the desire to talk currently. The choice between them depends on whether you are referring to a past desire or a current one.

Last Updated: March 22, 2024

This phrase is used when you want to convey that the desire to talk is current, in the present tense.

Examples:

I just want to talk to you about something important.
She said she just wants to talk to you about the project.

Alternatives:

I want to talk
I just want to say hi

This phrase is used when you want to convey that the desire to talk was in the past. It is in the past tense.

Examples:

I just wanted to talk to you about something that happened yesterday.
She said she just wanted to talk to clear up any misunderstandings.

Alternatives:

I wanted to talk
I just wanted to say hello

Answer 1

Just want to talk

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to express a current desire to talk.

Answer 2

Just wanted to talk

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to express a desire to talk that was in the past.

"Just want to talk" vs "Just wanted to talk"

Just want to talk

Just wanted to talk

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