B1 Gerunds & Infinitives 17 min read Easy

Polite Requests: 'Would Like' + Infinitive

Use 'would like' + infinitive for polite requests and desires, making your English sound smoother and more respectful.
Mark as Learned
Practice it

Grammar Rule in 30 Seconds

Use 'would like + to + verb' to express desires or make requests more politely than using the word 'want'.

  • Always use 'to' before the second verb: 'I would like to go' (not 'I would like go').
  • Use the contraction ''d' in spoken English: 'I'd like to order' sounds more natural.
  • In questions, swap the subject and 'would': 'Would you like to join us?'
👤 + 💭 (would like) + 🔗 (to) + 🏃 (verb)

Overview

Use 'would like' to be polite. It is nicer than 'want'.

Use 'would like' to ask for things. It is very kind.

How This Grammar Works

'Would like' is soft. It is better than saying 'I want'.
Use 'would like to' for actions. It is formal and nice.
'I want' is direct. 'I would like' is soft and polite.
This is a key way to be polite in English.
  • I would like to understand this concept better before proceeding.
  • She would like to schedule a follow-up meeting for next week.
  • They would like to participate actively in the community project.

Formation Pattern

1
Use 'would like' for yes, no, and questions. It is easy.
2
Affirmative Statements
3
Put the person, 'would like', 'to', then the action.
4
| Person | would like | to | Action | Example |
5
| :---------- | :----------- | :--- | :-------- | :-------------------------------------------- |
6
| I | would like | to | go | I would like to go home now. |
7
| You | would like | to | book | You would like to book a flight. |
8
| He/She/It | would like | to | learn | She would like to learn French. |
9
| We | would like | to | discuss | We would like to discuss the report. |
10
| They | would like | to | receive | They would like to receive further training. |
11
People say "'d" instead of 'would'. It is very fast.
12
'I'd like to ask a question.'
13
He'd like to order a coffee and a pastry.
14
We'd like to leave for the airport around noon.
15
Negative Statements
16
Put 'not' after 'would' to say no politely.
17
| Person | would | not | like | to | Action | Example |
18
| :---------- | :------ | :---- | :----- | :--- | :-------- | :-------------------------------------------- |
19
| I | would | not | like | to | wait | I would not like to wait any longer. |
20
| He | would | not | like | to | attend | He would not like to attend the meeting. |
21
| We | would | not | like | to | cancel | We would not like to cancel the reservation. |
22
The contracted form wouldn't like is prevalent in everyday conversation:
23
You wouldn't like to miss this exclusive concert.
24
She wouldn't like to work on public holidays.
25
They wouldn't like to upset their clients with late delivery.
26
Interrogative (Questions)
27
Put 'would' first to ask a question politely.
28
| Would | Person | like | to | Action | Example |
29
| :------ | :---------- | :----- | :--- | :-------- | :------------------------------------------------ |
30
| Would | you | like | to | come | Would you like to come to the party? |
31
| Would | he | like | to | review | Would he like to review the proposal before sending? |
32
| Would | they | like | to | help | Would they like to help with the community clean-up? |
33
How to help or ask what someone wants.
34
Use 'Would you like me to...' to offer help.
35
'Would you like me to say it again?'
36
Would you like us to pick you up from the station, or will you take a taxi?
37
Would you like him to send the updated report by the end of the day?
38
This is a very kind way to help someone.

When To Use It

Use 'would like' for polite wishes. It shows respect.
  • Making Polite Offers or Invitations: When offering a service, an item, or inviting someone to an activity, Would you like to...? is the standard polite phrasing. It provides the recipient with a comfortable option to accept or decline without pressure, reflecting social graces.
  • Would you like to join us for dinner on Friday evening? (Invitation)
  • Would you like to try a sample of our new artisanal bread? (Offer of an item/experience)
  • Would you like me to assist you with that heavy package? (Offer of assistance)
  • Expressing Personal Desires or Intentions: To state what you wish to do or achieve in a considerate manner, especially in professional or unfamiliar settings. This avoids sounding demanding or self-centered, presenting aspirations politely.
  • I would like to pursue further education in international relations. (Expressing an aspiration)
  • We would like to clarify a few pending points regarding the project timeline. (Stating a wish for discussion)
  • She would like to travel more extensively across South America next year. (Expressing a personal desire)
  • Making Requests for Actions: When asking someone to perform an action, would like softens the request, making it less of a command and more of a polite appeal. This is crucial for maintaining positive interpersonal relationships and professional courtesy.
  • I would like you to complete this analysis by the end of the day, please. (Polite request to a colleague)
  • We would like them to reconsider their stance on the new policy. (Expressing a hope for a change in action)
  • He would like her to call him back as soon as possible concerning the client's query. (Polite request for a phone call)
  • Ordering in Commercial and Service Settings: In restaurants, cafes, shops, or any situation involving customer service, I'd like to... is the expected and most polite way to state your order or requirement. This is a common and practical application for B1 learners to sound natural.
  • I'd like to order the vegetarian pasta, please. (Restaurant)
  • We'd like to book a table for four at 7 PM for a birthday celebration. (Restaurant reservation)
  • I'd like to inquire about the warranty period for this electronic device. (Customer service)
  • Seeking Information or Clarification: When you need to ask for details or better understanding, would like ensures your inquiry is respectful and not intrusive, especially in formal or academic contexts.
  • I would like to know more about your company's latest philanthropic initiatives. (Business inquiry)
  • Would you like to explain the methodology in more detail during the presentation? (Request for clarification in an educational setting)
Using this shows you are a polite person.

Common Mistakes

Many people make mistakes here. It is good to learn.
  1. 1Omitting to before the Base Verb: This is perhaps the most pervasive error. The structure would like requires the infinitive marker to before the base verb. Without to, the sentence becomes grammatically incorrect and often unintelligible. The presence of to explicitly signals that an action is desired, not merely a concept.
  • Incorrect: I would like go to the concert tonight.
  • Correct: I would like to go to the concert tonight.
  • Incorrect: She'd like buy a new smartphone.
  • Correct: She'd like to buy a new smartphone.
Do not forget 'to'. Say 'I would like to go.'
  1. 1Using a Gerund (-ing form) Instead of an Infinitive: While some verbs can be followed by either a gerund or an infinitive, would like specifically takes the to-infinitive when expressing a desire for an action. Using a gerund directly after would like is incorrect in this specific context and will sound unnatural to native speakers.
  • Incorrect: We would like visiting Paris this summer.
  • Correct: We would like to visit Paris this summer.
  • Incorrect: Would you like helping me with these files?
  • Correct: Would you like to help me with these files?
Use 'to eat', not 'eating'. Say 'I would like to eat.'
  1. 1Confusing would like to with would like + Noun: Although both use would like, their grammatical follow-ups and meanings differ significantly. Would like to + verb expresses a desire for an action, whereas would like + noun expresses a desire for an item or thing. Interchanging these can lead to awkward or incorrect sentences.
  • Desired action: I would like to drink some water. (You want to perform the action of drinking.)
  • Desired item: I would like some water. (You want the water itself.)
  • Incorrect: I would like to coffee, please.
  • Correct: I would like a coffee, please. (Desire for the item coffee)
  • Correct: I would like to have a coffee, please. (Desire to perform the action have a coffee)
See if you want a thing or an action.
  1. 1Using would like for Habitual Actions or General Preferences: Would like expresses a specific, present, or future desire or intention. It is not used for actions you generally enjoy or perform regularly. For habitual actions or general preferences, like + gerund or like + infinitive is appropriate. Using would like here would imply a specific, one-time desire that is out of place for a routine.
  • Incorrect: I would like swimming every morning. (Implies a specific desire for today's swimming, not a regular habit).
  • Correct: I like swimming every morning. (General preference/habit)
  • Correct: I like to swim every morning. (General preference/habit)
Do not use "would" for things you do every day.
  1. 1Overuse in Highly Informal Settings: While would like is generally polite and valuable, using it in very casual conversations with close friends or family can sometimes sound overly formal, distant, or even stiff. In such contexts, want is often more natural, direct, and conveys a closer relationship. The choice between the two depends heavily on the social distance and desired tone.
  • Too formal with a close friend: I would like to know what your plans are for tonight.
  • More natural: What do you want to do tonight?
Think about the person you talk to. Choose nice words.

Real Conversations

Observing would like + infinitive in authentic exchanges reveals its adaptability and prevalence in modern English communication across various formality levels. These examples demonstrate its practical application.

Work Email (Mid-Formal):

S

Subject

Project Update Meeting

Dear Team,

I would like to suggest we hold a brief meeting on Thursday morning to discuss the progress on the Q3 project. I would like to finalize the agenda by Wednesday afternoon to ensure efficiency.

Would you like to provide any specific topics or updates for discussion? Please reply by end of day.

Best regards,

[Your Name]

This example demonstrates would like for polite suggestions and requests within a professional context, emphasizing collaboration and clarity without issuing direct commands.*

Casual Text Message (Informal):

F

Friend 1

Hey, would you like to catch that new sci-fi movie everyone's talking about this weekend?
F

Friend 2

Ooh, I'd love to go! Which day works best for you?
F

Friend 1

Saturday evening I'd like to get the 7 PM showing if tickets are still available.

Here, would like is used informally, often contracted (I'd like), showing a polite invitation and expression of preference among friends, maintaining a friendly tone.*

Customer Service Interaction (Formal/Service-Oriented):

C

Customer

Hello, I would like to inquire about upgrading my internet service plan.
R

Representative

Certainly, madam. Would you like to review our current packages, or would you like to tell me about your specific speed and data needs?
C

Customer

I'd like to understand the options for achieving higher download speeds.

This interaction showcases would like for making inquiries and offering choices in a professional service environment, maintaining a respectful and helpful tone.*

Social Media Post (Public, Enthusiastic):

T

Travel Blogger

Just finished exploring the ancient temples of Angkor Wat! I would like to thank everyone for their incredible recommendations. Next up, exploring the street food of Bangkok! I'd like to find some authentic local eateries there. Any suggestions? #CambodiaTravel #ThaiFoodAdventures

Even in public, less formal contexts like social media, would like is employed to express gratitude and seek information politely, inviting engagement and interaction.*

Academic Discussion (Formal/Collaborative):

S

Student A

Based on my recent research, I would like to present a slightly different interpretation of this historical event.
S

Student B

Would you like to elaborate on your key findings? I'd be interested to hear your perspective on the primary sources.
S

Student A

Yes, I'd like to focus on the socio-economic factors that were often overlooked.

In academic discourse, would like facilitates polite disagreement, presentation of ideas, and requests for clarification, fostering a respectful and productive intellectual environment.*

These examples highlight how would like + infinitive allows speakers to communicate desires and requests effectively while managing the level of politeness and formality required by the situation, demonstrating adaptability across contexts.

Quick FAQ

Here are answers to common questions about "would like to".
  • What is the core difference between want to and would like to?
Use "want" with friends. Use "would like" to be polite.
It conveys a nuance of "I would be pleased to" or "I would appreciate it if." This difference in tone is critical for effective communication.
  • Can would like be followed by a noun instead of an infinitive?
You can use "would like" for things, like water.
  • I would like a glass of water. (Desire for the noun water)
  • Would you like some coffee? (Offer of the noun coffee)
Use "to" before an action. Say "I would like to eat."
  • Is the contracted form I'd like always appropriate?
People often say "'d like". Use "would like" for important writing.
Think about the person and pick the best words.
  • Can would like be used to refer to past desires or actions?
Use "would like" for now or the future. Not for yesterday.
  • Correct: Last year, I wanted to visit Rome, but I couldn't.
  • Incorrect: Last year, I would like to visit Rome.
  • How do I specify who performs the action when using would like?
Say "I would like you to" when you want help.
  • I would like you to send the updated report to all stakeholders. (You want you to send.)
  • She would like her assistant to book the flight tickets for next month. (She wants her assistant to book.)
  • What is the difference in intensity between would like and would love?
"Would love" is very strong. Use it when very happy.
  • Would you like to come to the concert? (Polite inquiry)
  • I'd like to go. (Polite acceptance, moderate enthusiasm)
  • I'd love to go! (Enthusiastic acceptance, strong desire)
Use would love when you genuinely feel a strong positive emotion about the proposed action or item.
  • Can would like be used to politely decline an offer or invitation?
Yes, would not like to or wouldn't like to is an excellent way to politely refuse. It softens the rejection, demonstrating consideration for the other person's offer, and is generally perceived as more gracious than a direct "I don't want to."
  • Thank you for the invitation, but I wouldn't like to attend this event this year.
  • I appreciate the offer, but I would not like to take on any new responsibilities at the moment.
This helps you be nice when you say no.
  • Does would like always imply a request for something for yourself?
You can want things for yourself or for other people.
  • We would like to ensure everyone understands the new safety guidelines. (Desire for a collective outcome)
  • He would like his team to succeed in their upcoming presentation. (Desire for others' success)

Conjugating 'Would Like' + Infinitive

Subject Modal Verb Infinitive Particle Main Verb
I
would
like
to
order
You
would
like
to
order
He/She/It
would
like
to
order
We
would
like
to
order
They
would
like
to
order

Common Contractions

Full Form Contraction Pronunciation Tip
I would like
I'd like
Sounds like 'eyed'
You would like
You'd like
Sounds like 'yood'
He would like
He'd like
Sounds like 'heed'
She would like
She'd like
Sounds like 'sheed'
We would like
We'd like
Sounds like 'weed'
They would like
They'd like
Sounds like 'thade'

Meanings

A polite way to say 'want', used to express a desire, make an offer, or request something in a socially acceptable manner.

1

Polite Request

Asking for something you want in a shop, restaurant, or professional setting.

“I'd like to see the manager, please.”

“We would like to order the appetizers now.”

2

Polite Offer

Asking someone if they want something or want to do something.

“Would you like to try a sample?”

“Would they like to sit by the window?”

3

Future Ambition

Expressing a dream or a plan that is not yet realized.

“I'd like to travel to Japan next year.”

“They would like to buy a house in the countryside.”

Reference Table

Reference table for Polite Requests: 'Would Like' + Infinitive
Form Structure Example
Affirmative
S + would like + to + V
I would like to help.
Affirmative (Short)
S'd like + to + V
I'd like to help.
Negative
S + would not like + to + V
I would not like to go.
Negative (Short)
S + wouldn't like + to + V
I wouldn't like to go.
Question
Would + S + like + to + V?
Would you like to stay?
Short Answer (+)
Yes, S + would.
Yes, I would.
Short Answer (-)
No, S + wouldn't.
No, I wouldn't.
Wh- Question
Wh- + would + S + like + to + V?
What would you like to do?

Formality Spectrum

Formal
I would like to request a brief meeting at your earliest convenience.

I would like to request a brief meeting at your earliest convenience. (Professional/Social)

Neutral
I'd like to have a quick meeting with you soon.

I'd like to have a quick meeting with you soon. (Professional/Social)

Informal
Can we meet up for a bit?

Can we meet up for a bit? (Professional/Social)

Slang
Wanna link up?

Wanna link up? (Professional/Social)

The 'Would Like' Ecosystem

Would Like

Requests

  • Order food I'd like to order...
  • Ask for help I'd like to ask...

Offers

  • Invite Would you like to come?
  • Give Would you like to try?

Want vs. Would Like

Want (Direct)
I want coffee. Informal/Direct
Would Like (Polite)
I'd like a coffee. Formal/Polite

Is it 'Would Like' or 'Like'?

1

Is it a general hobby?

YES
Use 'Like' (I like swimming)
NO
Go to next step
2

Is it a specific request now?

YES
Use 'Would Like' (I'd like to swim)
NO
Check context

Common Verbs after 'Would Like to'

✈️

Travel

  • • book
  • • check in
  • • visit
🍴

Dining

  • • order
  • • try
  • • pay
💼

Work

  • • discuss
  • • propose
  • • inquire
Sign up free to read full explanation

Examples by Level

1

I would like to have a coffee.

2

Would you like to play?

3

She would like to see the cat.

4

I'd like to go home.

1

We would like to book a room for tonight.

2

Would they like to join us for lunch?

3

I wouldn't like to live in a big city.

4

He'd like to buy a new car soon.

1

I'd like to inquire about the job opening.

2

Would you like to leave a message for the doctor?

3

I'd like to clarify a few points in the contract.

4

We'd like to thank you for your hospitality.

1

I'd like to emphasize the importance of safety.

2

Would you like to elaborate on that statement?

3

I'd like to suggest an alternative approach.

4

They'd like to reach a consensus by Friday.

1

I'd like to draw your attention to the graph on page five.

2

One would like to believe that progress is inevitable.

3

I'd like to have seen the look on his face.

4

I'd like to preface my remarks with a brief anecdote.

1

I should like to think that my contribution was valued.

2

The committee would like to express its profound gratitude.

3

I'd like to think we haven't seen the last of him.

4

Would you like to have been informed earlier?

Easily Confused

Polite Requests: 'Would Like' + Infinitive vs Like vs. Would Like

Learners use 'I like' for specific requests. 'I like to eat' (hobby) vs 'I'd like to eat' (now).

Polite Requests: 'Would Like' + Infinitive vs Would Like vs. Want

Using 'want' in formal situations makes the speaker sound like a child or angry.

Polite Requests: 'Would Like' + Infinitive vs Would Like vs. Would Love

Learners aren't sure which is stronger.

Common Mistakes

✗

I would like go.

✓

I would like to go.

You must use 'to' before the verb.
✗

I would like a coffee.

✓

I would like a coffee.

This is actually correct for nouns, but learners often forget the 'to' when they add a verb later.
✗

I would likes to go.

✓

I would like to go.

Modal verbs like 'would' do not take an 's' for he/she/it.
✗

Do you would like to eat?

✓

Would you like to eat?

We don't use 'do' with 'would'. 'Would' moves to the front.
✗

I would like having a drink.

✓

I'd like to have a drink.

After 'would like', use the infinitive (to have), not the gerund (having).
✗

I will like to see you.

✓

I would like to see you.

'Will like' is for future enjoyment; 'would like' is for a present request.
✗

Would you like that I come?

✓

Would you like me to come?

English uses 'Object + to-infinitive' after 'would like', not a 'that' clause.
✗

I like to go to the party tonight.

✓

I'd like to go to the party tonight.

'I like' is for general hobbies; 'I'd like' is for a specific event.
✗

I'd like to not go.

✓

I wouldn't like to go.

While 'I'd like not to go' is possible, 'I wouldn't like to go' is the standard negative form.
✗

Would you like some to drink?

✓

Would you like something to drink?

You need a pronoun like 'something' or a noun before the infinitive in this context.
✗

I would like to had seen it.

✓

I would like to have seen it.

The perfect infinitive must use 'have' + past participle.

Sentence Patterns

I'd like to ___ because ___.

Would you like to ___ with me?

I wouldn't like to ___ because it seems ___.

What would you like to ___ for ___?

Real World Usage

Ordering Coffee constant

I'd like to have a large latte, please.

Job Interview common

I'd like to explain my previous experience in marketing.

Texting a Friend very common

Would u like to hang out later?

Hotel Check-in very common

We'd like to check in. We have a reservation under Smith.

On a Plane occasional

I'd like to have some water, please.

Business Email very common

I would like to schedule a call for next Tuesday.

Sign up free to see all examples
🎯

The 'd' is the Key

If you find 'would like' too long to say, just focus on the 'd' sound. 'I-d like' is enough for native speakers to understand you are being polite.
⚠️

Avoid 'I want' with Elders

When speaking to older people or people in authority, always use 'would like'. 'I want' can sound disrespectful.
💡

Use it for Invitations

Instead of 'Do you want to...?', use 'Would you like to...?' to make your invitation sound more like a treat and less like a question.
💬

The 'Please' Rule

In English, 'I'd like...' is polite, but adding 'please' at the end makes it perfect. Always pair them together.

Smart Tips

Pause and replace 'I want' with 'I'd like'.

I want a menu. → I'd like a menu, please.

Look for the word 'to'. If there is a 'to' and it's a specific request, it's 'would like'.

I like to go now. (Wrong context) → I'd like to go now. (Correct request)

Always use 'Would you like to...' instead of 'Do you want to...'. It sounds more generous.

Do you want to come to my party? → Would you like to come to my party?

Contract 'I would' to 'I'd'. Native speakers rarely say the full 'I would' in conversation.

I would like to order. → I'd like to order.

Pronunciation

/aɪd laɪk/

The 'd' Contraction

The 'd' in 'I'd' is very soft. It often blends into the 'l' of 'like'.

/laɪk tə/

Linking 'to'

The word 'to' is usually reduced to a schwa sound /tə/.

Polite Question Rise

Would you like to join us? ↗️

Conveys friendliness and a genuine invitation.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

W.L.T.V: Would Like To Verb. Never skip the 'To'!

Visual Association

Imagine a waiter in a fancy tuxedo bowing to you. He doesn't ask 'What do you want?' he asks 'What would you like to have?' The tuxedo represents the 'Would Like' structure.

Rhyme

If you want to be polite and bright, 'Would like to' is always right.

Story

A traveler named Dan went to a royal palace. He said 'I want to see the King!' and the guards blocked him. He tried again and said 'I would like to see the King,' and they opened the doors immediately.

Word Web

PoliteRequestOfferInfinitiveContractionDesireFormal

Challenge

Go to a coffee shop or a restaurant today and use 'I'd like to have...' instead of 'I want...'. Notice the reaction of the staff.

Cultural Notes

British speakers use 'would like' extremely frequently to avoid appearing 'pushy'. Using 'I want' in a shop in London might be seen as quite rude.

While Americans are more direct, 'would like' is still the standard for professional service. However, 'I'll take a...' is a common neutral alternative in fast food.

In international meetings, 'I'd like to...' is the safest way to interrupt or add a point without offending colleagues from different cultures.

The word 'would' is the past tense of 'will', which originally meant 'to wish' or 'to desire' in Old English (willan).

Conversation Starters

“

What would you like to do for your next birthday?

“

If you could change your job, what would you like to be?

“

Would you like to live in another country? Which one?

“

I'd like to start a new hobby. What would you suggest?

Journal Prompts

Write about your dream vacation. Where would you like to go and what would you like to see?
Describe your ideal house. What would you like to have in your kitchen or garden?
Write a polite email to a hotel manager asking to change your reservation.
Reflect on your life ten years from now. What would you like to have achieved?

Common Mistakes

Incorrect

Correct

Incorrect

Correct

Incorrect

Correct

Incorrect

Correct

Sign up free to see all tips

Test Yourself

Fill in the missing word.

I would like ___ buy a new phone.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: to
We always use 'to' after 'would like' when followed by a verb.
Which sentence is the most polite? Multiple Choice

You are in a restaurant.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: I'd like to have a pizza.
'I'd like to' is the standard polite form for ordering.
Find the mistake in this sentence. Error Correction

Find and fix the mistake:

She would likes to visit Paris.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: likes
Modal verbs like 'would' do not change for the third person. It should be 'like'.
Change this 'want' sentence into a 'would like' sentence. Sentence Transformation

I want to see the manager.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: I'd like to see the manager.
The polite version uses 'would like to' + verb.
Complete the dialogue. Dialogue Completion

Waiter: 'Are you ready to order?' Customer: 'Yes, ___ the steak.'

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: I'd like to have
This is the most natural way to order in a restaurant.
Is this a general hobby or a specific request? Grammar Sorting

'I like to swim in the ocean.'

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: General Hobby
'I like' without 'would' refers to a general preference.
True or False? True False Rule

You can use 'would like' with the -ing form (e.g., I'd like going).

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: False
You must use the infinitive with 'to'.
Put the words in the correct order. Sentence Building

like / you / to / would / drink / what / ?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: What would you like to drink?
In questions, 'would' comes before the subject.

Score: /8

Practice Exercises

8 exercises
Fill in the missing word.

I would like ___ buy a new phone.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: to
We always use 'to' after 'would like' when followed by a verb.
Which sentence is the most polite? Multiple Choice

You are in a restaurant.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: I'd like to have a pizza.
'I'd like to' is the standard polite form for ordering.
Find the mistake in this sentence. Error Correction

Find and fix the mistake:

She would likes to visit Paris.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: likes
Modal verbs like 'would' do not change for the third person. It should be 'like'.
Change this 'want' sentence into a 'would like' sentence. Sentence Transformation

I want to see the manager.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: I'd like to see the manager.
The polite version uses 'would like to' + verb.
Complete the dialogue. Dialogue Completion

Waiter: 'Are you ready to order?' Customer: 'Yes, ___ the steak.'

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: I'd like to have
This is the most natural way to order in a restaurant.
Is this a general hobby or a specific request? Grammar Sorting

'I like to swim in the ocean.'

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: General Hobby
'I like' without 'would' refers to a general preference.
True or False? True False Rule

You can use 'would like' with the -ing form (e.g., I'd like going).

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: False
You must use the infinitive with 'to'.
Put the words in the correct order. Sentence Building

like / you / to / would / drink / what / ?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: What would you like to drink?
In questions, 'would' comes before the subject.

Score: /8

Practice Bank

12 exercises
Complete the sentence with the correct form of 'would like'. Fill in the Blank

I ___ to ask a question about the assignment.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: would like
Identify and correct the grammatical error in the following sentence. Error Correction

He'd like going to the party, but he's busy.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: He'd like to go to the party, but he's busy.
Select the sentence that correctly uses 'would like' for a polite request. Multiple Choice

Which sentence is correct?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: I'd like a refund, please.
Translate the sentence into English, using 'would like'. Translation

Translate into English: '¿Te gustaría comer fuera esta noche?'

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: ["Would you like to eat out tonight?","Would you like to go out to eat tonight?"]
Rearrange the words to form a grammatically correct sentence. Sentence Reorder

Arrange these words into a sentence:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: I would like to explore the park.
Match the beginning of the sentence with the correct polite ending. Match Pairs

Match the beginnings with the correct endings:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: matched
Choose the most polite option to complete the offer. Fill in the Blank

___ you like another slice of cake?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Would
Correct the error in this polite request. Error Correction

We would like you help us with the project.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: We would like you to help us with the project.
Identify the sentence that correctly uses 'would like' to express a future desire. Multiple Choice

Which statement is grammatically sound?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: I would like to become an astronaut.
Translate into English, keeping the polite tone. Translation

Translate into English: 'Nos gustaría aprender más sobre la cultura.'

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: ["We would like to learn more about the culture.","We'd like to learn more about the culture."]
Put the words in the correct order to form a polite question. Sentence Reorder

Arrange these words into a sentence:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Would you like to visit the museum?
Pair the appropriate response with the 'would like' question. Match Pairs

Match the questions with the best responses:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: matched

Score: /12

FAQ (8)

Yes! If you are followed by a noun (a thing), you don't need 'to'. You only need 'to' if a verb (an action) follows.

'I'd love' is much stronger. Use it when you are very excited about an offer.

Because 'would like' is a conditional request, and English grammar requires the infinitive 'to swim' for specific future/present desires.

Not at all. It's very common to use it with friends when offering something, like 'Would you like a snack?'

The short form is 'wouldn't like'. Example: 'I wouldn't like to be late.'

In very old-fashioned or formal British English, yes. But 'would like' is the standard everywhere today.

The most polite answers are 'Yes, I would' or 'Yes, please' and 'No, thank you'.

To talk about the past, you use 'would like to have' + past participle. Example: 'I would like to have seen that movie.'

Scaffolded Practice

1

1

2

2

3

3

4

4

Mastery Progress

Needs Practice

Improving

Strong

Mastered

Sign up free to practice

In Other Languages

Spanish high

Me gustaría

English requires 'to' before the following verb.

French moderate

Je voudrais

French uses 'want' in conditional; English uses 'like' in conditional.

German high

Ich möchte

German often omits the main verb if it's obvious (e.g., 'Ich möchte einen Kaffee').

Japanese low

...tai desu / ...te itadakitai

Japanese changes the verb ending; English adds a modal verb.

Arabic moderate

Awaddu an (أود أن)

Arabic verbs conjugate for person, unlike 'would'.

Chinese moderate

Xiǎng (想)

Chinese relies on context or adding 'please' (qǐng) for politeness.

Learning Path

Prerequisites

Previous
Verbs with Gerund or Infinitive: No Meaning Change

Related Videos

Can You Picture Things in Your Mind? I Can’t | Alex Rosenthal | TED 07:44

Can You Picture Things in Your Mind? I Can’t | Alex Rosenthal | TED
Hot Honey Chicken Drumsticks | Food Wishes 06:47

Hot Honey Chicken Drumsticks | Food Wishes
Prepare your Play app for devices with 16 KB page sizes 05:55

Prepare your Play app for devices with 16 KB page sizes
English Grammar - Gerund or Infinitive? ('I like swimming' or 'I like to swim'?) 6:06 YouTube

English Grammar - Gerund or Infinitive? ('I like swimming' or 'I like to swim'?)

English with Ronnie · EnglishLessons4U with engVid
GERUND (-ing) or INFINITIVE (to) - When & How to Use them! (+ Free PDF & Quiz) 14:07 YouTube

GERUND (-ing) or INFINITIVE (to) - When & How to Use them! (+ Free PDF & Quiz)

English with Lucy
How to use GERUNDS and INFINITIVES | Confusing English Grammar 11:16 YouTube

How to use GERUNDS and INFINITIVES | Confusing English Grammar

mmmEnglish

Related Grammar Rules

C1

Participle Clauses: Matching Action to Subject

Overview Participle clauses represent an advanced syntactic structure in English, enabling the condensation of informati...
C2

Passive Gerunds & Infinitives (being done / to be done)

Overview Mastering the English passive voice at C2 level necessitates a precise understanding of its integration with no...
B1

Stop + Gerund vs Infinitive: Quitting vs Pausing

Overview English grammar is rich with patterns where subtle choices create significant shifts in meaning. One such patte...
A2

Infinitives and Gerunds: Verb Patterns (Want to Go / Enjoy Going)

## Infinitives and Gerunds: Verb Patterns ### Verbs + to + infinitive - **want**: I want **to eat**. - **need**: She ne...
C1

English Participle Clauses: Doing two things at once (V-ing)

Overview English V-ing participle clauses, also known as present participle clauses, represent a sophisticated grammatic...
Was this helpful?

Comments (0)

Login to Comment
No comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts!