Meaning
Use ‘I wouldn’t want you to‘ when you want to suggest something in a hypothetical situation.
Today’s Sentences
- I wouldn’t want you to be late.
- I wouldn’t want you to get sick.
- I wouldn’t want you to be alone.
- I wouldn’t want you to eat too much.
- I wouldn’t want you to get into a fight.
- Writer’s Note
01
I wouldn’t want you to be late.
Situation 1
Thanks for coming to visit me.
What are you doing later?
I’m gonna go visit my Grandma.
How are you for time?
I wouldn’t want you to be late.
I’ve got about 30 minutes before I should get going.
Situation 2
It’s been great catching up with you.
Likewise.
It’s so good to hear that you’re doing well.
Are you okay for time?
I wouldn’t want you to be late.
Actually, I should get going.
I’ve gotta pick up the kids from school.
02
I wouldn’t want you to get sick.
Situation 1
You should wear something warmer.
Like a sweater or jacket?
The mornings are getting chillier
I wouldn’t want you to get sick.
Okay.
Situation 2
Are you coughing?
Yes, I’ve got a bit of a sore throat.
Can I pick up some medicine for you?
I wouldn’t want you to get sick.
If you can, that would be helpful.
I’ve got a sore throat, cough, and sneezing.
03
I wouldn’t want you to be alone.
Situation 1
I’m gonna walk home.
I can give you a ride.
I wouldn’t want you to be alone.
It’s okay.
It’s just a few blocks away.
Alright.
Let me know when you get home.
Situation 2
My friends were over but they just left.
Are you okay?
I wouldn’t want you to be alone.
I’m okay.
I’ll just clean up a bit before my family gets home.
Well, let me know if you need some company.
04
I wouldn’t want you to eat too much.
Situation 1
Thanks for preparing all this food.
You’re welcome.
It was my pleasure.
I just might overeat!
Don’t do that.
I wouldn’t want you to eat too much.
Situation 2
Is this plate all for me?
It is.
But you don’t have to finish it.
It looks really good.
I wouldn’t want you to eat too much.
05
I wouldn’t want you to get into a fight.
Situation 1
My husband tries to help around the house.
He takes out the garbage and does the dishes.
Really? No one ever helps me at our house.
I should ask him why he never does things for me.
I wouldn’t want you to get into a fight.
Some things need to be said.
Situation 2
Well, I don’t think she can be trusted.
Why?
I wouldn’t want you to get into a fight.
So I’m telling you now that she’s been lying.
Thanks for letting me know.
Writer’s Note
It is a contraction of ‘would not‘, which makes it sound more natural in conversation. While the literal translation to ‘Why would not want you to‘ is grammatically correct, it sounds awkward and is rarely used in modern English. The contraction ‘wouldn’t‘ helps the sentence flow better and makes it sound more conversational.
