My goals for next year: “I want to learn”, not “I want learn”

The rule

To talk about plans and goals, use I'm going to, I want to, I'd like to or I hope to + verb: Next year I'm going to read more. Don't drop to: say I want to learn, not I want learn.

Arabic links the two verbs with أن (أريد أن أتعلم) and French with nothing (je veux apprendre), so learners often drop to and say I want learn. English needs to after want, would like and hope.

Examples

In a conversation

A: So, what are your goals for next year?

B: I'm going to get my driving licence, and I'd like to read more in English.

A: Nice! I hope to find a part-time job.

B: Good luck! I want to hear all about it.

Practice

Choose the best answer. The answers are at the end of the lesson.

1. Next year I want ___ a new language.
   • a) learn
   • b) to learn
   • c) learning
2. I'm ___ get fit next year.
   • a) going to
   • b) going
   • c) go to
3. I'd like ___ more books.
   • a) read
   • b) reading
   • c) to read

Tip

Careful: can and will take no to: I will study more, not I will to study. Use I'm going to for a plan you have decided and I hope to when you are less sure.

Answers

1. b) to learn. Want takes to + verb.
2. a) going to. The full form is I'm going to + verb.
3. c) to read. I'd like takes to + verb.

• ← Day 57: Advice, information, homework: no -s and no “a”
• All 60 lessons
• Day 59: “I'd love to!”: accept and decline invitations politely →