Foundation grammar · Unit 34 · A2

Would you like ... ? I'd like ...

Modals, imperative etc.

Would you like ... ? offers things; Would you like to ... ? invites; I'd like is a polite I want. Do you like ... ? is different: it asks what somebody enjoys in general.

Go to the exercises

A Would you like ... ? to offer

Would you like ... ? means Do you want ... ? We use it to offer things.

  • "Would you like a cup of tea?" "No, thank you."
  • "Would you like a biscuit?" "Yes, please."
  • "What would you like, tea or coffee?" "Tea, please."

B Would you like to ... ? to invite

We use Would you like to ... ? to invite somebody.

  • Would you like to come for a bike ride?
  • "Would you like to come for Sunday lunch?" "Yes, I'd love to."
  • What would you like to do tonight?

C I'd like

I'd like (I would like) is a polite way to say I want.

  • I'm thirsty. I'd like a drink.
  • I'd like some information about bus times, please. (at a tourist office)
  • I'd like to watch the film on telly tonight.

D Would you like ... ? and Do you like ... ?

Would you like ... ? / I'd like Do you like ... ? / I like
Do you want it now? Do you think it's nice, in general?
Would you like some tea? = Do you want some tea? Do you like tea? = Do you think tea is nice?
"Would you like to go to the cinema tonight?" "Yes, I'd love to." "Do you like going to the cinema?" "Yes, I go a lot."
I'd like an orange, please. (Can I have one?) I like oranges. (in general)
  • Would you like some tea?
  • Do you like tea?
  • I'd like an orange, please.
  • I like oranges.
  • What would you like to do next weekend?
  • What do you like doing on Sunday afternoons?

Exercises

34.1 What are the people in the scenes saying? Use Would you like ... ?

  1. A woman holds out a plate of sandwiches to a guest.

    She says:

    Would you like a sandwich?

    Would you like a sandwich?

  2. A man is pouring tea and looks at his friend.

    He says:

  3. A boy holds out a bag of crisps to his friend.

    He says:

  4. A waiter stands at a table with a notepad.

    He says (What ... ?):

34.2 What do you say to Sue? Use Would you like to ... ?

  1. You're going to the theatre tonight. Perhaps Leo will come.

    (go)

    Would you like to come to the theatre tonight?

    Would you like to come to the theatre tonight?

  2. You want to play badminton tomorrow. Perhaps Sue will play too.

    (play)

  3. You've got some holiday photos. Sue hasn't seen them yet.

    (see)

  4. You have a spare ticket for a gig next week. Perhaps Sue will come.

    (go)

  5. It's raining and Sue is going out. She hasn't got an umbrella, but you have.

    (borrow)

34.3 Which is right? Write the correct words.

  1. "Would you like (Do you like / Would you like) a slice of cake?" "Ooh, yes please."

    "Would you like a slice of cake?" "Ooh, yes please."

  2. " (Do you like / Would you like) olives?" "Not really. They're too salty."

  3. " (Do you like / Would you like) a lift home?" "No thanks, I'll walk."

  4. "What (do you like / would you like) for dessert?" "The apple crumble, please."

  5. " (Do you like / Would you like) to play cards?" "Not right now. Maybe after dinner."

  6. (I like / I'd like) sushi, but I hardly ever have it.

  7. When (do you like / would you like) to meet up next week?

  8. " (Do you like / Would you like) a sandwich?" "No thanks, I've just eaten."

  9. " (Do you like / Would you like) living in the city?" "Yes, it's great."

  10. What a day. (I like / I'd like) to put my feet up now.

See also