The verb to want · Conjugation
Past Simple of want
The answer: wanted
A2
A finished action at a definite time in the past.
Quick answer
The Past Simple of the verb to want is wanted.
Example: I wanted to see you.
Full conjugation in the Past Simple
| Pronoun | Form |
|---|---|
| I | wanted |
| You | wanted |
| He / She / It | wanted |
| We | wanted |
| You (pl.) | wanted |
| They | wanted |
Common mistakes to avoid
1. I wanted going home ❌
After want, use to + verb: I wanted to go home. The -ing form is wrong after want.
2. I want a sandwich in a café ❌
This sentence is correct, but it sounds rude when you order. Say I'd like a sandwich, please or Can I have a sandwich, please?
Practice quiz
Going further
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Frequently asked questions
What is the past tense of want?+
Want is regular: its Past Simple is wanted, the same for every person. She wanted to see you.
Is it wanted to go or wanted going?+
Say wanted to go: I wanted to go home. After want, always use to + verb, never the -ing form.
Can you use want with a noun?+
Yes. Put the noun straight after want, with no preposition: I want a new phone. He wanted some help.
Is wanna correct English?+
Wanna means want to. It is very informal spoken English: Do you wanna play? Don't use it in written or formal English.
Is I want polite?+
I want is direct and can sound rude when you ask for something. To be polite, say I'd like: I'd like a sandwich, please.
Related pages: want Past Simple
Pages on a similar topic or with a similar use, so you can keep exploring.
Updated on 12 November 2026 by the Big Challenge teaching team. Every year, more than 500,000 students across Europe take part in our English contest, created in 1999. Our teaching approach →
The Big Challenge · Updated on 12 November 2026 · Source: www.thebigchallenge.com/bl/academy/learn-english/verbs/want/past-simple
© The Big Challenge. Copying allowed for classroom use. Every year, more than 500,000 students across Europe take part in our English contest, created in 1999.
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More forms of the verb to want are coming soon.