Use 'like' to say you find something pleasant or enjoyable.
Word in 30 Seconds
- Expresses positive feelings or enjoyment.
- Used for people, things, and activities.
- Common in everyday conversation.
**Overview**
The word 'like' is a fundamental verb in English used to express positive feelings, preferences, or enjoyment. It's one of the first verbs learners encounter because it's so common in everyday conversation. It signifies approval, fondness, or finding something agreeable.
**Usage Patterns**
'Like' is often followed by a noun, a pronoun, or a gerund (the -ing form of a verb used as a noun). It can also be used with an infinitive (to + verb), though this is less common for expressing simple preference and more for expressing a general feeling about an action. It's a regular verb, meaning its past tense and past participle are formed by adding '-d' or '-ed'.
**Common Contexts**
You'll hear 'like' used in casual conversations about hobbies, food, movies, music, and people. For example, 'I like pizza,' 'She likes reading books,' or 'Do you like this song?'. It's also used to express that something seems appropriate or suitable, like 'This weather is like a summer day.'
**Similar Words Comparison**
While 'like' expresses general enjoyment, 'love' signifies a much stronger feeling of affection or passion. 'Enjoy' is similar but often focuses more on the pleasure derived from a specific activity at a particular time, whereas 'like' can be a more general, ongoing preference. 'Prefer' indicates a choice between two or more options.
Examples
I like chocolate ice cream.
everydayMe gusta el helado de chocolate.
She likes to visit art museums.
general interestA ella le gusta visitar museos de arte.
Do you like my new haircut?
informal¿Te gusta mi nuevo corte de pelo?
Many students like the new teaching method.
academicA muchos estudiantes les gusta el nuevo método de enseñanza.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
I like it.
Me gusta.
What do you like?
¿Qué te gusta?
I'd like to...
Me gustaría...
Often Confused With
'Like' indicates a general preference or finding something pleasant. 'Love' suggests a much stronger emotion, like deep affection or passion, often used for people or very strong interests.
'Enjoy' usually refers to the pleasure derived from a specific activity or experience at a particular time. 'Like' can be a more general, ongoing preference.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
The verb 'like' is extremely common in all forms of English. It is generally neutral in terms of formality but is a staple of everyday conversation. When used with a gerund (e.g., 'liking swimming'), it refers to enjoyment of an activity. Using 'like' with an infinitive (e.g., 'like to swim') can sometimes imply a habitual action or a general preference for doing something.
Common Mistakes
A common error for learners is forgetting the third-person singular '-s' in the present simple tense (e.g., saying 'He like' instead of 'He likes'). Another mistake is using 'like' with a past time reference when a past tense verb is needed (e.g., 'I like it yesterday' instead of 'I liked it yesterday').
Tips
Express your preferences easily
Use 'like' to talk about what you enjoy doing or what you find pleasant. It's a simple way to share your tastes.
Avoid overusing 'like'
While common, overuse of 'like' as a filler word in speech can sound informal or hesitant. Focus on using it to express actual preference.
Sharing likes builds connection
In many English-speaking cultures, talking about things you like is a common way to find common ground and build rapport with others.
Word Origin
The word 'like' comes from the Old English word 'gelic', meaning 'having the same form, qualities, or character'. It evolved over centuries to its current meaning of finding something agreeable.
Cultural Context
In many cultures, expressing what you 'like' is a basic social lubricant, helping people connect over shared interests. It's a polite way to show positive engagement and build relationships.
Memory Tip
Think of 'like' as a green light – it means something is okay or good to go. When you see something you 'like', give it a thumbs up!
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questions'Like' expresses a general positive feeling or preference. 'Love' indicates a much stronger, deeper feeling of affection or passion.
Yes, you can use 'like' with the -ing form of a verb (gerund) to talk about activities you enjoy, such as 'I like swimming'.
'Like' is generally neutral but is very common in informal and everyday spoken English. It's widely understood in all contexts.
It means you find something pleasant, agreeable, or satisfactory. You have a positive opinion about it.
Test Yourself
I really ___ this song!
The subject 'I' requires the base form of the verb 'like' in the present simple tense.
Which sentence is correct?
Sentence B uses the correct third-person singular form 'likes' with the gerund 'reading'. Sentence A is incorrect because 'She' needs 'likes'. Sentence C is incorrect for the same reason. Sentence D uses the present tense 'like' with a past time adverb 'yesterday'.
Build a sentence using: 'dogs / you / do / like / ?'
This is the standard question structure in English: Auxiliary verb (Do) + Subject (you) + Main verb (like) + Object (dogs).
Score: /3
Summary
Use 'like' to say you find something pleasant or enjoyable.
- Expresses positive feelings or enjoyment.
- Used for people, things, and activities.
- Common in everyday conversation.
Express your preferences easily
Use 'like' to talk about what you enjoy doing or what you find pleasant. It's a simple way to share your tastes.
Avoid overusing 'like'
While common, overuse of 'like' as a filler word in speech can sound informal or hesitant. Focus on using it to express actual preference.
Sharing likes builds connection
In many English-speaking cultures, talking about things you like is a common way to find common ground and build rapport with others.
Examples
4 of 4I like chocolate ice cream.
Me gusta el helado de chocolate.
She likes to visit art museums.
A ella le gusta visitar museos de arte.
Do you like my new haircut?
¿Te gusta mi nuevo corte de pelo?
Many students like the new teaching method.
A muchos estudiantes les gusta el nuevo método de enseñanza.
Related Content
Related Vocabulary
More emotions words
amuse
A2To make someone laugh or smile.
anger
A2A strong feeling of annoyance or hostility.
crazy
B1Mad; insane.
cry
A2To produce tears, often because you are sad or hurt.
dear
A2Regarded with deep affection; beloved.
desire
B2To strongly wish for or want something.
dislike
A2To not like someone or something.
dull
A2Lacking interest or excitement.
feel
A1sense emotion
get cold feet
B1This idiom describes the experience of suddenly becoming nervous or uncertain about a significant plan or commitment. It typically implies that someone is losing their courage or reconsidering a major decision right before it is supposed to happen.
