Would like or like: wishes and preferences

The idea

Use like for general preferences and would like for a particular wish or a polite offer. Follow either with a noun; use to plus a verb after would like. Questions begin with Do or Does for like, and Would for would like.

Examples

• I like tea, but I would like coffee today.
• Maya likes walking by the river after work.
• We would like to visit the museum tomorrow.
• Would you like some soup?
• Do your neighbours like gardening?
• I'd like a window seat, please.

Watch out

Do not say I would like going for a particular wish: say I would like to go. The contraction I’d like means I would like.

Try it yourself

1. Choose the correct option. I usually ___ spicy food. (like / would like)

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   like

   like describes a usual preference.

2. Choose the correct option. Tonight we ___ to eat outside. (like / would like)

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   would like

   would like refers to tonight’s particular wish.

3. Choose the correct option. ___ you like a glass of water now? (Do / Would)

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   Would

   Would makes this an offer for now.

4. Choose the correct option. She would like ___ the manager. (to speak to / speaking to)

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   to speak to

   to speak to supplies the infinitive after the wish.

Use it today

Write one sentence about a favourite activity and one about what you would like to do tomorrow.