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Like vs would like
Like is a general taste (I like pizza); would like is what you want now, politely, to ask or offer (I'd like a pizza).
Quick rule
General taste? Like. Asking, offering, or inviting right now? Would like.
To enjoy something in general, as part of your tastes: I like pizza. To ask, Do you like...?
To want something now, politely: to ask, offer, or invite. I'd like is "I want, please"; Would you like...? offers something.
Why it trips people up
Like and would like look almost the same, but they do different jobs. Like talks about what you enjoy in general. Would like talks about what you want now, in a polite way, when you ask, offer, or invite.
How each one works
Like
A general taste
I like spicy food.
Asking if you enjoy something
Do you like your new apartment?
Something you dislike
She doesn't like cold weather.
Would like
Politely asking for something
I would like a cup of coffee, please.
Offering a choice
Would you like to sit by the window?
Asking in a restaurant
We would like a table for four, please.
What comes next
like plus noun
I like jazz.
like plus -ing or like to plus verb
She likes swimming in the morning.
would like plus noun
I would like a glass of water.
would like plus to plus verb
I would like to ask a question.
Would you like plus something or to plus verb?
Would you like a ride to the station?
Set phrases
Like
- feel like + -ing
- to want to do something now
- like it or not
- whether you accept it or not
Would like
- I'd like to introduce
- a polite way to present someone
- Would you like to come along?
- a polite invitation
Almost the same
I like tea.
It is one of your tastes.
I'd like tea.
You are asking for it now.
Do you like coffee?
You ask about their taste.
Would you like coffee?
You offer it now.
In a conversation
- A:
Welcome! Would you like a table by the window?
- B:
Yes, please. We'd like a quiet one.
- A:
Of course. Do you like fish? Today's special is salmon.
- B:
I like salmon, but I would like something lighter today.
- A:
Then I recommend the salad.
- B:
Perfect. I'll have that.
Common mistakes
Wrong: I'd like to swimming this weekend.
Right: I'd like to swim this weekend.
After would like to, use the base verb, with no -ing.
Wrong: She would likes a glass of water.
Right: She would like a glass of water.
After would, the verb stays in its base form, with no -s.
Memory trick
Test it by adding a phrase. Does "right now" or "in general" fit? Right now: would like. In general: like.
It depends
- A wish for later
- I'd like to visit Japan someday does not ask for anything now; it is a wish, and it also takes would like.
- I'd like and I want
- I'd like sounds more polite than I want. In a café or a shop, I want a coffee can sound blunt.
- Inviting
- Would you like to come? is a polite invitation. Do you want to come? works with friends.
FAQ
What is the difference between I like and I'd like?
I like tea is about your taste. I'd like tea is a polite way to ask for tea right now.
Is I would like polite?
Yes. I would like and I'd like sound polite when you ask for something or make a request.
When do you use Would you like?
Use it to offer or invite: Would you like a sandwich? or Would you like to come along?