Meaning
‘Don’t you want to‘ is a form of a question you ask in which there is an expectation of a yes or no answer. Answering yes or no by itself can be misinterpreted. It is always better to add confirmation, such as providing a reason.
Today’s Sentences
- Don’t you want to hold my hand?
- Don’t you want to get some sleep?
- Don’t you want to ride a motorcycle?
- Don’t you want to drink some water?
- Don’t you want to go see the fireworks?
- Writer’s Note
01
Don’t you want to hold my hand?
Situation 1
Are you okay?
I think so.
I’d like to go for a walk.
Sure, let’s do that.
Don’t you want to hold my hand?
Sorry, I didn’t know you were reaching for my hand.
I would love to hold hands with you.
Situation 2
Don’t you want to hold my hand?
I didn’t know you had feelings for me.
Well, we can show each other how we feel and see.
I don’t think I’m ready to hold hands with you just yet.
I hope that’s okay.
02
Don’t you want to get some sleep?
Situation 1
You’re still playing video games?
Yea, this is how I spend my day off.
Don’t you want to get some sleep?
It’s Sunday night.
Really?
I should sleep early today.
Situation 2
Don’t you want to get some sleep?
What time is it?
It’s 2am.
Gosh, where did the time go.
I’d better go to bed.
03
Don’t you want to ride a motorcycle?
Situation 1
What are your plans after you retire?
Well, I’m gonna buy a scooter.
Don’t you want to ride a motorcycle?
No, I think a scooter would fit my lifestyle more.
Situation 2
I need to buy a car but don’t have enough money.
What do you think I should do?
Don’t you want to ride a motorcycle?
It’s more affordable and easier to get around in.
Is it?
I’ve never imagined myself riding a motorcycle.
You should consider it.
It’s a great way to get around in a city like this.
04
Don’t you want to drink some water?
Situation 1
How was your run today?
It was great.
But it’s really hot outside.
You look exhausted.
Don’t you want to drink some water?
Yea, I’d love a glass of ice water.
Situation 2
This dish is really good but it’s kind of salty.
Is it?
I think it’s really tasty.
Don’t you want to drink some water?
Yea, I’ll order some extra water for us.
05
Don’t you want to go see the fireworks?
Situation 1
I wanna go to the festival in August.
Don’t you want to go see the fireworks?
Didn’t we see the firework festival last year?
We did.
I loved it though.
Situation 2
Don’t you want to go see the fireworks?
I do.
It was beautiful when we saw them a few years ago.
Fireworks are so breathtaking.
I know the perfect spot to watch the fireworks.
Let’s meet around 8.
Writer’s Note
We’ve gone over some helpful sentences that start with Don’t you. Have you ever heard of question tags? A question tag or a tag question is a phrase using isn’t it? or don’t you? that you add to the end of a statement. We add a question at the end to confirm something that is said and also to encourage the listener to give an answer. Here are a few examples to help you understand.
- You mentioned that you like chocolate ice cream, didn’t you?
- She said the office was open at 9am, didn’t she?
- This pizza is delicious, isn’t it?
- This little black dress is perfect for the occasion, isn’t it?
Let’s go into a little more detail with positive and negative question tags. Did you know you can have:
- Positive statements with negative question tags
- Negative statements with positive question tags
Positive statements with negative question tags may look like this.
- He’s going to be the new CEO, isn’t he?
- Being a mom is great, isn’t it?
- Christmas is truly the most magical time of year, isn’t it?
- You prepared and wrapped the birthday gifts, didn’t you?
- The models are on their way to the photo shoot, aren’t they?
Negative statements with positive question tags may look like this.
- The couple haven’t arrived yet, have they?
- You can’t spend even one minute without your phone, can you?
- Starting a conversation with a girl isn’t a skill that you’re comfortable with, is it?
- They haven’t arrived at the airport yet, have they?
- The tour group didn’t confirm their itinerary, did they?
