Like versus Would Like
By 11 hours 17 minutes ago
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The verb 'like' can be used and mean many things. Here we will look at two uses of the word ‘like’. Like as in “do you like...” and like as in “would you like...”.
LIKE
• Like is a verb that is used to show preferences. When we express preference or speak in general, we can use the infinitive with to or the gerund after the verb like.
Example:
- She likes to study. She likes studying. (in general)
- What do you like to do in your spare time? (asking preference)
- What do you like doing in your spare time?
- I like to dance. I like dancing on the weekends. (stating preference)
Both are possible. We use the gerund when we are emphasizing the activity.
• Like can also be followed by nouns.
- What kind of music do you like? (asking preference)
- My sister likes chocolate ice cream. (stating preference)
- I like Mexican food. (in general)
Notes: The above examples are used for general preference and they are facts about the person. It is a ‘permanent’ state. There is no time reference.
WOULD LIKE
• In the question form, it is used to make an invitation or to offer something to someone. There is a specific time reference – either now or in the near future.
- Would you like a cup of tea? (offering now)
LIKE
• Like is a verb that is used to show preferences. When we express preference or speak in general, we can use the infinitive with to or the gerund after the verb like.
Example:
- She likes to study. She likes studying. (in general)
- What do you like to do in your spare time? (asking preference)
- What do you like doing in your spare time?
- I like to dance. I like dancing on the weekends. (stating preference)
Both are possible. We use the gerund when we are emphasizing the activity.
• Like can also be followed by nouns.
- What kind of music do you like? (asking preference)
- My sister likes chocolate ice cream. (stating preference)
- I like Mexican food. (in general)
Notes: The above examples are used for general preference and they are facts about the person. It is a ‘permanent’ state. There is no time reference.
WOULD LIKE
• In the question form, it is used to make an invitation or to offer something to someone. There is a specific time reference – either now or in the near future.
- Would you like a cup of tea? (offering now)
- Would you like to have dinner with me tonight? (invitation for tonight)
• In the affirmative (positive) sentences, would like is the polite (formal) form of ‘want’. It is also used to describe a desire. Again, there is an understood ‘time’
- I would like the fried chicken, please. (expressing want more politely - now)
- I would like to retire when I’m 50. (expressing future desire)
NOTES:
• With ‘would like’, we don’t use the gerund form of the verb.
RIGHT: She would like to go to dinner.
wrong: She would like going to dinner.
• The short answers for both are different.
Asking General: Do you like going to the Cinema? Yes, i do. No, i don't. (showing preference)
An Invitation: Would you like to go to the Cinema?
Yes, I would. I would like to go to the Cinema with you. (expressing want/desire)
No, I wouldn’t. (this is actually a hypothetical answer derived from the second conditional If you asked me, I would not go to the Cinema with you.
No, thank you. (this is more accurate to decline the invitation).(Smart Up Your Live)
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