Like, Would like and Want
Which is the correct sentence in each pair?
a) I’d like to go swimming tomorrow morning.
b) I like to go swimming tomorrow morning.
a) If you want the ticket, please phone me.
b) If you like the ticket, please phone me.
We use like to talk about things that please us:
- specific things: I like your new glasses. Have you had them long?
- general things: I like going to the cinema, but I don’t like fantasy films very much.
We use would like to say what would please us either now or in the future. The negative wouldn’t like only refers to now.
- I’d like to go to the cinema this evening. (not I like to go to the cinema this evening).
- I’d like a good job, but I wouldn’t like to work long hours.
We can also use want instead of would like, but want is stronger and less polite:
- I want to go to the cinema this evening. (not I will want to go or I’d want to go).
- I don’t want to live in the country.
- I was hungry. I wanted something to eat. (not I would liked something to eat).
We also use would like and want when we make offers:
- “Would you like something to eat?” (not “Do you want something to eat?”).
- “Do you want something to eat?” “No thanks, I’ve already eaten”