would like

would like — idiom

1. a courteous phrase used to express a wish to have or to do something

1.慣用語A1
釋義

a courteous phrase used to express a wish to have or to do something

例句

Tara would like a glass of cold water after the long walk.

would like + noun for polite desire

Nicholas would like to visit his grandmother in Athens this summer.

would like + to-infinitive for polite intention

同義詞
  • want

    more direct and less polite

  • wish for

    more formal, often used for bigger or longer-term desires

  • fancy

    British, informal, used for casual wants

反義詞
  • refuse

    to say no to something that is offered

文法句型

would like + noun

would like + to-infinitive

用法筆記

More polite than 'want'. Followed by a noun or to-infinitive, never by a that-clause. Common in both statements and questions.

常見錯誤

❌I want a coffee, please.' (in a formal restaurant).
✅I would like a coffee, please.
💡'want' can sound too direct or rude in polite situations.

2. used to ask someone politely to do something, or to offer help or an invitation

2.慣用語A2
釋義

used to ask someone politely to do something, or to offer help or an invitation

例句

Would you like me to carry that heavy box for you, Chiara?

question form for polite offer

Ada would like you to wait in the hall until she is ready.

would like + object + to-infinitive for request

同義詞
  • request

    more formal, often used in official or written contexts

  • ask

    less polite and more direct

文法句型

would like + object + to-infinitive

用法筆記

Structure: would like + person + to-infinitive. This pattern is the standard polite way to ask someone to act. Distinguish from sense 1 (WANTING POLITELY), which expresses your own desire and never takes an object before the to-infinitive.

常見錯誤

❌I would like that you help me.
✅I would like you to help me.
💡never use a that-clause after 'would like'; the correct pattern is would like + person + to-infinitive.
❌The boss would like finish the report today.' (meaning the boss wants someone else to finish it).
✅The boss would like you to finish the report today.
💡when making a request, you must include the person being asked.