ENGLISH
REFERENCE

would like

fixed phr..
A1 Beginner Oxford

fixed phr.. A polite way to say you want something. You can use it to ask for things or to say what you want to do.

fixed phr.. A modal expression used to state a desire or make a request politely, functioning as a more socially acceptable alternative to the verb 'want'.


SIMPLE

I would like a cup of tea, please.

CONTEXTUAL

When the waiter came over, she said she would like the fish and a side salad.

COMPLEX

He indicated that he would like to review the quarterly reports himself before they were submitted to the board for final approval.

Usage

It is followed by a noun for a thing you want, or a 'to'-infinitive for an action you want to do.

Teaching tip

Contrast with 'want' (more direct, can sound demanding) and 'feel like' (more informal); 'would like' is the standard polite form for offers and requests.

Pitfall

I would like going to the cinema.I would like to go to the cinema.After 'would like', use the 'to'-infinitive for an action, not the -ing form.

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