English · A2 · verb · 4 minutes
Would like
Make polite requests and state wishes with would like + noun or to-infinitive.
Understand the choice
Would like creates distance from direct want and is natural in restaurants, hotels, and customer service. Questions invert would and the subject.
Core rule: Would like is unchanged apart from subject and takes a noun or to + base verb.
Notice it in context
I would like to change my reservation.
Me gustaría cambiar mi reserva.
Would like supports to change; reservation is object of change.
Would you like a quieter room?
Is a quieter room your preference?
Would inverts before you; like takes noun phrase.
We would like to pay by card.
Paying by card is our polite preference.
Would like supports to pay.
What to remember
- The contraction I’d like is common; context distinguishes I had/I would.
- Would you like…? offers; Do you like…? asks general preference.
Common trap: Do not omit to before a following verb.