Likes and preferences in English

The idea

Use I like… for a general preference and Do you like…? to ask. With she, use likes: She likes music. To compare preferences, say I prefer tea to coffee. For a polite request now, I would like… expresses what you want, rather than only stating a general preference.

Examples

• I like green tea.
• She likes music.
• We do not like cold coffee.
• Do you like apples?
• I prefer tea to coffee.
• I would like a glass of water.

Watch out

I like water describes a preference; I would like water can politely request water now. Do not forget -s in an affirmative sentence with she.

Try it yourself

1. Ask about a general preference. (Do you like apples? / Would you like an apple?)

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   Do you like apples?

   Do you like apples? asks about a general preference.

2. Describe what she enjoys. She ___ music. (likes / like)

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   likes

   likes agrees with the singular subject she.

3. Make a polite request now. (I would like water. / I like water.)

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   I would like water.

   I would like water politely requests water in this situation.

Use it today

Write one sentence about something you like, one comparison with prefer and one polite request for a drink.