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general::
Phrase(s): (I) just want(ed) to say something. [and] (I) just want(ed) to mention something.; (I) just want(ed) to tell you something.
a sentence opener that eases into a statement or question. (Can be followed by words like say, ask, tell you, be, and come.) • Rachel: I just wanted to say that we all loved your letter. Thank you so much. Andrew: Thanks. Glad you liked it. • Rachel: I just wanted to tell you how sorry I am about your sister. Alice: Thanks. I appreciate it. • Andrew: Just wanted to come by for a minute and say hello. Tom: Well, hello. Glad you dropped by.
McGrawhill's American Idioms And Phrasal Verbs