Modal verbs · Beginner (A1)
Would like and want
Ask for things and make offers politely: I’d like a coffee. Would you like some water?
The rules
I’d like (I would like) is a polite way to say I want: I’d like a table for two. + noun, or + to + verb: I’d like to book a room.
Would you like…? makes offers and invitations: Would you like a drink? Would you like to come to dinner? Answer: Yes, please / I’d love to or No, thank you / I’m afraid I can’t.
Don’t confuse Would you like…? (offer) with Do you like…? (general preference): Do you like tea? — Yes, I love it.
Examples
- I’d like a glass of water, please.
- Would you like to join us?
- We’d like to check out, please.
- What would you like to drink?
Common mistakes
✗ I would like go home.
✓ I would like to go home.
would like + to + verb.
✗ Would you like coffee? — Yes, I like.
✓ Yes, please.
Answer offers with Yes, please.
Practice
___ you like some cake?
Quiz
1.“Do you like jazz?” asks about…
2.Complete the sentence.
3.“I’d like” is more polite than “I want”.
4.Put the words in the right order.