• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Home of English Grammar
  • Home
  • Course
  • Exercises
  • Grammar Rules
  • Matches
  • Posts
  • Tools
    • Grammar Checker
    • Very Replacer
    • Word Counter
  • Vocabulary Lists
  • Archives
    • Social Media Posts
    • Writing Guides
  • Join free

More conversational structures

March 21, 2017 pdf

Talking about things you want to do

I wanna + (verb)

The structure wanna is the conversational equivalent of want to. The structure I wanna can be used to talk about things you want to do.

  • I wanna talk to you. (= I want to talk to you.)
  • I wanna find a job. (= I want to find a job.)
  • I wanna try this food. (= I want to try this food.)
  • I wanna act in a movie.
  • I wanna marry you. (= I want to marry you.)
  • I wanna see that film. (= I want to see that film.)

The structure don’t wanna is used to talk about things that you don’t want to do.

  • I don’t wanna accept this job. (= I don’t want to accept this job.)
  • I don’t wanna marry you. (= I don’t want to marry you.)
  • I don’t wanna talk to him. (= I don’t want to talk to him.)

Talking about things you have to do

I gotta + (verb)

The word gotta is the conversational equivalent of got to. In conversation I gotta is often used instead of I have got to.

  • I gotta find a better job. (= I have got to find a better job.)
  • I gotta get up early tomorrow. (= I have got to get up early tomorrow.)
  • I gotta get my car repaired. (= I have got to get my car repaired.)
  • I gotta win her trust. (= I have got to win her trust.)

Primary Sidebar

2.4M761.4K165.8K

Free 2027 Grammar Guide

  • Download Grammar Guide (PDF)
  • Online grammar course, A1 to C2
  • Weekly exercises and vocabulary
  • Join over 3 million English learners

We respect your privacy. Unsubscribe anytime.

Already have an account? Sign in

Grammar Checker - Try Now

Latest Posts

  • 100 Best Synonyms for “Communicative” October 23, 2026
  • Icky vs. gross vs. nasty vs. disgusting vs. revolting vs. vile October 23, 2026
  • Comparatives Exercise October 23, 2026
  • 100 Best Synonyms for “Proposition” October 23, 2026
  • 100 Best Synonyms for “Stagnation” October 23, 2026
  • 100 Best Synonyms for “Dumb” October 23, 2026
  • The origin and meaning of “off the cuff” October 23, 2026
  • 100 Phrases for Declining Requests at Work Politely October 23, 2026
  • 100 Best Synonyms for “Plausible” October 23, 2026
  • Maybe, perhaps, possibly, conceivably, probably and definitely: How to choose October 23, 2026
Home of English Grammar

Free English grammar exercises, rules and vocabulary lists, with new exercises every week. Join the leading English grammar site with over 3 million followers.

Join free

Learn

  • Exercises
  • Matches
  • Grammar rules
  • Vocabulary lists
  • Writing guides
  • Online tools

More

  • Top social media posts
  • Various posts
  • Contact

Account

  • Join free
  • Grammar Course
  • Free grammar guide (PDF)

Copyright © 2026 EnglishGrammar.org

  • Disclaimer
  • Privacy policy
  • Terms
  • Sitemap