The rule, as people use it

"I want" is honest, but to a waiter or a stranger it can sound a little hard, like a child pointing at a toy. "I would like" says the same thing with softer edges. In speech it almost always shrinks to "I'd like", and the "d" is so quick you barely hear it.

After "would like" you put a thing, or "to" plus a verb. I'd like a table for two. I'd like to book a table. The question form turns it around: "Would you like some tea?" and "Would you like to sit down?" That's the standard way to offer something.

Don't mix it up with "do you like". "Do you like tea?" asks about your taste in general. "Would you like tea?" is an offer, right now. Answer an offer with "Yes, please" or "No, thanks, I'm fine."

Examples

Tap a sentence to hear it. Say it after the voice.

Fill the gap

Type the missing words, then check. The full sentence plays when you get it.

  1. 1

    (I / like) a black coffee, please.

  2. 2

    (you / like) some cake?

  3. 3

    We'd like (book) a room for Friday.

  4. 4

    What (you / like) for dinner?

  5. 5

    He'd (like) to see the manager.

  6. 6

    (you / like) me to call a taxi?

  7. 7

    They'd like (sit) outside.

  8. 8

    I'd like (a receipt), please.

Practice · 3 min

Imagine a day out. Write what you'd say in each place with "I'd like" or "Would you like", then say each line out loud as if you're really there.

  • At a cafe, ordering a drink: ___
  • At a hotel desk, asking for something: ___
  • At a friend's home, offering help: ___
  • At a movie theater, buying tickets: ___
  • On the phone, making a plan: ___

Say it today

Use it once in a real conversation before tomorrow. Out loud counts, even to yourself.