Would Like + Infinitive

The phrase would like expresses a desire. It focuses on a specific wish at this moment. Unlike the verb like, it is not about general hobbies. It is about a choice or a goal. When we add an infinitive, we add an action. The infinitive is always the to + verb form. For example, to eat or to travel. You are connecting your desire to an activity. It works the same for all people. You don't need to change it for he or she. This makes it much easier than the present simple. No extra s at the end! It is like a grammar shortcut for being polite. Just remember the to. Without it, the sentence falls apart.

1. 1Creating these sentences follows a very strict recipe. Follow these steps to get it right every time:
2. 2Start with your Subject (I, You, He, She, We, They).
3. 3Add the auxiliary verb would.
4. 4Add the main verb like.
5. 5Add the infinitive (to + base verb).
6. 6Finish with the rest of your sentence.
7. 7For positive sentences: I would like to buy a car.
8. 8For negative sentences: I would not like to stay here. (Or wouldn't like).
9. 9For questions: Would you like to dance?.
10. 10In spoken English, we almost always use contractions. I would becomes I'd. He would becomes He'd. It sounds much more natural. Practice saying I'd like to. It should sound like one smooth word. If you say I would like to in a cafe, you might sound like a robot. A very polite robot, but still a robot. Use the contraction to sound like a local.

Use this pattern when you want to be a polite human being.

• Ordering Food: I'd like to have the pasta, please.
• Making Offers: Would you like to sit down?.
• Asking for Help: I'd like to ask you a question.
• Talking about Ambitions: I'd like to live in Spain one day.
• Invitations: Would you like to come to my party?.

In a job interview, this grammar is vital. You might say, I'd like to discuss my experience. It shows respect to the interviewer. In social settings, it prevents you from sounding demanding. If you use want too much, people might think you are bossy. Would like softens your tone. It is like adding a 'please' to the middle of your sentence. Use it whenever you are talking to a boss, a waiter, or a stranger.

Do not use would like for general habits. If you love chocolate every day, say I like chocolate. Do not say I'd like chocolate unless you want some right now.

• General Hobbies: Use I like swimming, not I'd like to swim (unless you are at the pool now).
• Facts: Use The sun rises in the east, not The sun would like to rise.
• Past Habits: This is for the present or future only.

Think of it like a grammar traffic light. Like is a green light for things you always enjoy. Would like is a specific light for things you want to happen soon. Also, avoid using it for things you hate. We rarely say I wouldn't like to eat. We usually just say I don't want to eat. It is mostly used for positive desires or polite offers.

Yes, even native speakers mess this up sometimes. The most common error is forgetting the to.

• Wrong: I'd like go home.
• Right: I'd like to go home.

Another big mistake is using the -ing form.

• Wrong: I'd like going to the cinema.
• Right: I'd like to go to the cinema.

Many people also forget the would. If you say I like to eat, you are talking about a habit. If you say I'd like to eat, you are hungry right now. It is a small sound, but it changes the whole meaning. Finally, watch out for the question order. Do not say You would like to drink?. Say Would you like to drink?. The would must jump to the front. It is like a leapfrog game for verbs.

Let's compare I like to swim and I'd like to swim.

I like to swim means you enjoy the activity. You probably go to the pool every Tuesday. It is part of your lifestyle.

I'd like to swim means you have a specific desire now. Maybe you are hot and see a lake. You want to jump in immediately.

What about I want to?

I want to leave is direct. It is okay with friends.

I'd like to leave is softer. It is better for a business meeting.

Think of want as a hammer. It is strong and direct. Think of would like as a silk glove. It gets the job done but feels much nicer.