"say what you want to say" vs "say what you wanted to say"

Question

"say what you want to say" vs "say what you wanted to say"

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in slightly different contexts. 'Say what you wanted to say' is used when referring to something that someone wanted to say in the past, while 'say what you want to say' is used when referring to something someone currently wants to say.

Last Updated: March 08, 2024

This phrase is used to encourage someone to express their current thoughts or feelings. It implies a sense of openness and honesty in communication.

Examples:

Don't hold back. Say what you want to say.
If you have something on your mind, just say what you want to say.

Alternatives:

speak your mind
express yourself
share your thoughts
voice your opinion
communicate openly

This phrase is used to encourage someone to express something they intended to say in the past but may not have said. It implies a sense of completion or closure.

Examples:

I know you're upset. Take a deep breath and say what you wanted to say.
He finally had the chance to say what he wanted to say all those years ago.

Alternatives:

say what you meant to say
say what you were going to say
say what you had in mind
say what you had planned to say
say what you had on your mind

Answer 1

say what you want to say

This phrase is correct and commonly used when referring to something someone currently wants to say.

Answer 2

say what you wanted to say

This phrase is correct and commonly used when referring to something that someone wanted to say in the past.

"say what you want to say" vs "say what you wanted to say"

say what you want to say

say what you wanted to say

Related Comparisons