like
‘like’
If you like someone or something, you find them pleasant or attractive.
She's a nice girl, I like her.
Very few people liked the idea.
Be careful
Don't use a progressive form of like. Don't say, for example, ‘I am liking peanuts’. Say ‘I like peanuts’.
Don't use a progressive form of like. Don't say, for example, ‘I am liking peanuts’. Say ‘I like peanuts’.
You can use like in front of an -ing form to say that you enjoy an activity.
I like reading.
I just don't like being in crowds.
You can add very much to emphasize how much you like someone or something, or how much you enjoy an activity.
I like him very much.
I like swimming very much.
Be careful
You must put very much after the object, not after like. Don't say, for example, ‘I like very much swimming’.
You must put very much after the object, not after like. Don't say, for example, ‘I like very much swimming’.
If someone asks you if you like something, you can say ‘Yes, I do.’ Don't say ‘Yes, I like.’
‘Do you like walking?’ – ‘Yes I do, I love it.’
Be careful
Don't use ‘like’ immediately in front of a clause beginning with ‘when’ or ‘if’. For example, don't say ‘I like when I can go home early’. Say ‘I like it when I can go home early’.
Don't use ‘like’ immediately in front of a clause beginning with ‘when’ or ‘if’. For example, don't say ‘I like when I can go home early’. Say ‘I like it when I can go home early’.
The guests don't like it when they can't use the pool.
I'd like it if we were friends again.
‘would like’
You say ‘Would you like...?’ when you are offering something to someone.
Would you like some coffee?
Be careful
Don't say ‘Do you like some coffee?’
Don't say ‘Do you like some coffee?’
You say ‘Would you like...’ followed by a to-infinitive when you are inviting someone to do something.
Would you like to meet him?
Be careful
Don't use an -ing form after ‘Would you like...’. Don't say, for example, ‘Would you like meeting him?’
Don't use an -ing form after ‘Would you like...’. Don't say, for example, ‘Would you like meeting him?’
You can say ‘I’d like...' when asking for something in a shop or café.
I'd like some apples, please.
You say ‘I’d like you to...' when you are telling someone to do something in a fairly polite way.
I'd like you to tell them where I am.