Grammar Guide

What is it?

I’d like is the short form of I would like.

It is used to express a desire, make a polite request, or say what you want in a polite way.

• I’d like some coffee.
• I’d like to speak to the manager.

Would like is more polite than want.

• I want some water. — direct
• I’d like some water. — polite

When to use

Use I’d like to:

• ask for food or drinks politely
• request a product or service
• say what you want to do
• express a future wish or preference
• invite someone using Would you like...?

Examples:

• I’d like a glass of water.
• I’d like to book a room.
• Would you like some tea?
• Would you like to join us?

Structure

With a noun

Use would like + noun when asking for or wanting a thing.

The contracted forms are:

With a verb

Use would like + to + base verb when saying what someone wants to do.

Questions

Use Would + subject + like...?

• Would you like some cake?
• Would she like to come with us?
• What would you like to drink?

Negative form

Use would not like or wouldn’t like.

• I wouldn’t like to work there.
• She wouldn’t like that colour.

Examples

1. I’d like a cup of tea, please.
2. I’d like to make a reservation.
3. She’d like some more information.
4. We’d like to visit the museum.
5. He’d like a table near the window.
6. Would you like some coffee?
7. Would you like to come with us?
8. What would you like to eat?
9. They wouldn’t like to wait outside.
10. I’d like to learn more about the job.

Exceptions

Do not use to before a noun.

• Correct: I’d like some water.
• Incorrect: I’d like to some water.

Always use to before a verb.

• Correct: I’d like to order.
• Incorrect: I’d like order.

I like and I’d like have different meanings.

• I like coffee. — Coffee is generally enjoyable to me.
• I’d like coffee. — I want coffee now or in the future.

Common mistakes

1. Incorrect: I like a coffee, please. Correct: I’d like a coffee, please. Explanation: Use I’d like for a polite request.

2. Incorrect: I’d like order some food. Correct: I’d like to order some food. Explanation: Use to before a verb after would like.

3. Incorrect: I’d like to some tea. Correct: I’d like some tea. Explanation: Do not use to before a noun.

4. Incorrect: I would likes a sandwich. Correct: I would like a sandwich. Explanation: Use the base form like after would.

5. Incorrect: Would you like come with us? Correct: Would you like to come with us? Explanation: Use to before a verb after would like.

6. Incorrect: What do you would like? Correct: What would you like? Explanation: Do not use do with would in questions.

7. Incorrect: I’d like going home. Correct: I’d like to go home. Explanation: Use to + base verb, not the -ing form.