Ten ways of expressing wants - Intermediate

We often talk about what we want to eat or drink. Sometimes this is in reply to an offer. Sometimes we are just saying what is on our minds, using coffee as an example.

10 expressions to Use In Speaking And Writing: 
  1. Coffee - just what I need.
  2. A coffee would be nice.
  3. I could do with a coffee
  4. I'd love a cup of coffee.
  5. I'm dying for a coffee.
  6. I could kill for a cup of coffee.
  7. I feel like a cup of coffee.
  8. A coffee would go down well now.
  9. I really need a cup of coffee.
  10. A coffee would really hit the spot.
How To Use These Phrases In Your English: 
  1. 2 and 4 are common as replies to questions like: 'can I offer you something?' or 'Would you like something to drink.' They're quite polite.
  2. 1 is common when you actually receive the coffee and have started enjoying it.
  3. We use 3 and 8 when we think we need something. Don't use them as requests - they are comments.
  4. 5 and 6 are similar, both are informal, and both are strong images, with 6 stronger than 5.
  5. 7 says how you feel, it can be used as a suggestion: Shall we go for a coffee?
  6. 9 shows that you are desperate for a coffee. The structure is also common with 'cigarette' and 'drink' and 'rest' - physical things we need.
  7. 10 can also be used in reply to an offer, like 2 and 4. However, it is a much stronger expression.
Intermediate

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