Complete Guide to Using “I want you to + (verb)” in English

The phrase “I want you to + verb” is used to express your desire for someone else to perform a specific action. This construction helps communicate requests, instructions, or expectations clearly.

“I want you to” Usage Examples

Sno	English Example	Hindi Translation	Context Type
1	I want you to clean your room.	मैं चाहता/चाहती हूँ कि तुम अपना कमरा साफ करो।	Household chore
2	I want you to call me later.	मैं चाहता/चाहती हूँ कि तुम बाद में मुझे फोन करो।	Communication
3	I want you to try harder.	मैं चाहता/चाहती हूँ कि तुम और मेहनत करो।	Motivation
4	I want you to be honest.	मैं चाहता/चाहती हूँ कि तुम ईमानदार रहो।	Character expectation
5	I want you to meet my parents.	मैं चाहता/चाहती हूँ कि तुम मेरे माता-पिता से मिलो।	Relationship
6	I want you to explain this.	मैं चाहता/चाहती हूँ कि तुम इसे समझाओ।	Clarification
7	I want you to finish your homework.	मैं चाहता/चाहती हूँ कि तुम अपना होमवर्क पूरा करो।	Academic
8	I want you to arrive on time.	मैं चाहता/चाहती हूँ कि तुम समय पर पहुँचो।	Punctuality
9	I want you to listen carefully.	मैं चाहता/चाहती हूँ कि तुम ध्यान से सुनो।	Attention
10	I want you to respect others.	मैं चाहता/चाहती हूँ कि तुम दूसरों का सम्मान करो।	Values

Stronger Form (“I need you to”)

Sno	English Example	Hindi Translation
1	I need you to focus now.	मुझे चाहिए कि तुम अभी ध्यान दो।
2	I need you to tell the truth.	मुझे चाहिए कि तुम सच बताओ।
3	I need you to help me.	मुझे चाहिए कि तुम मेरी मदद करो।
4	I need you to be quiet.	मुझे चाहिए कि तुम चुप रहो।
5	I need you to make a decision.	मुझे चाहिए कि तुम कोई निर्णय लो।

Polite Alternatives

Sno	English Example	Hindi Translation
1	I’d like you to join us.	मैं चाहूँगा/चाहूँगी कि तुम हमारे साथ आओ।
2	Could you please call me?	क्या तुम मुझे फोन कर सकते हो?
3	Would you mind explaining this?	क्या तुम इसे समझाने का कष्ट करोगे?

Key Grammar Rules

1. Structure:
   • “I want/need you to” + base verb form
   • Correct: “I want you to go”
   • Incorrect: “I want you going”
2. Intensity Levels:
   • “Want” = desire
   • “Need” = stronger requirement
   • “Would like” = more polite
3. Question Form:
   • “Do you want me to…?”
   • Example: “Do you want me to call you?”
4. Negative Form:
   • “I don’t want you to…”
   • Example: “I don’t want you to worry”

Common Mistakes to Avoid

“I want you helping me”
“I want you to help me” (infinitive required)

“I want that you come early”
“I want you to come early” (direct structure)

“I’m wanting you to listen”
“I want you to listen” (simple present)

Cultural Usage Notes

1. Directness varies by culture:
   • Western cultures: More direct usage acceptable
   • Indian culture: Often softened with “please” or polite forms
2. Workplace usage:
   • Managers to staff: “I need you to complete this report”
   • More polite: “I’d appreciate it if you could complete this report”
3. Family usage:
   • Parents to children: “I want you to study now”
   • More gentle: “It would be good if you studied now”