Learn English – “I wouldn’t want to…” vs. “I didn’t want to…”

meaningnegationpast-tensewill-would

I wouldn't want you to do that
I didn't want you to do that

We use "would not" to talk about repeated past actions that are not true in the present, and "did not" for actions completed in the past.

If both sentences are about the past, what is the difference in meaning between them? I'm quite confused.

Best Answer

I didn't want you to do that

Whatever "that" is, it's done. That's why you are saying did instead of do. This is an expression of regret.

I wouldn't want you to do that

Whatever "that" is, it's not done yet. This is trying to tell someone not to do something.

This can have a "conditional" meaning, and that means there's an if X or because X somewhere that applies to this, either mentioned previously or assumed by the listener.

This can also be a polite or "softer" version of "I don't want you to do that."

This can also be "will in the past" - and basically be a "past tense" form of "I will not want you to do that" referring to something already done - this could be used if a person A did something, thinking someone else B wanted him/her to do it, but A did not want that to be done.