Lesson 30 · Stage 3: Plans, requests & comparing
“Would like” for polite wishes
BeginnerForm & use
would like / 'd like + to-verb — a polite way to say what you want
1.Form
would like (short form 'd like) means “want”, but it's more polite than want. Would is the same for every subject: I'd like, she'd like, they'd like.
| Pattern | Example |
|---|---|
| would like + noun | I'd like a glass of water, please. |
| would like + to-verb | I'd like to change my seat. |
| would like + person + to-verb | I'd like you to meet my sister. |
| Negative | I wouldn't like to live in a big city. |
| Question | Would you like some tea? · What would you like to do? |
One little 'd changes the meaning: I like coffee = coffee is something I enjoy; I'd like a coffee = please give me a coffee (now). Forget the 'd when ordering and you're just talking about your tastes.
2.When to use it
1. Ordering, shopping and asking for a service
I'd like the chicken curry, please.
Hi, I'd like to return these shoes. They're too small.
2. Wishes and dreams
One day I'd like to have my own café.
Where would you like to live when you retire?
3. Offers and invitations: Would you like…?
Would you like some more rice?
Would you like to join us for dinner on Friday?
4. Wanting someone else to do something: would like + person + to-verb
My mum would like you to call her when you land.
I'd like you to check this email before I send it.
Learners often say I want… when ordering or asking for things. It's grammatical, but with staff, customers or older people it can sound blunt. Switch to I'd like… and it's polite straight away.
3.Would like or like?
| like | would like | |
|---|---|---|
| Meaning | enjoy (in general) | want (now or later) |
| Followed by | -ing or to-verb | to-verb (not -ing) |
| Example | I like swimming. | I'd like to swim now. |
| Question | Do you like tea? — Yes, I do. | Would you like some tea? — Yes, please. |
Would love / would prefer / would hate are also followed by a to-verb:
I'd love to come — thanks for asking!
I'd prefer to stay in tonight. I'm exhausted.
I'd hate to miss your wedding.
4.Answering Would you like…?
- Accepting something: Yes, please. (a bare Yes sounds abrupt)
- Saying no to something: No, thank you. / No, thanks, I'm fine.
- Accepting an invitation: I'd love to. / That would be great.
- Turning down an invitation: I'd love to, but I can't. I'm busy that day.
5.Common mistakes
I would like eat something sweet.I would like to eat something sweet.
You need to before the verb.
I'd like going to the cinema tonight.I'd like to go to the cinema tonight.
Would like isn't followed by -ing.
She would likes to learn the piano.She would like to learn the piano.
Base form after would.
I'd like that you call me back.I'd like you to call me back.
would like + person + to-verb.
Excuse me, I like to order the chicken.Excuse me, I'd like to order the chicken.
Without 'd it means “I enjoy”.
Would you like a coffee? — Yes, I would like.Yes, please.
Like needs an object; Yes, please is the natural answer.
Examples
- I'd like to book a table for two, please.
- I would like to buy two tickets for the seven o'clock show.
- Hi, I'd like to make a complaint about my room.
- We would like to thank everyone for coming tonight.
