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”