“Would you like…?” is a polite way of asking someone if they want something, or want to do something:
Would you like a cup of tea?
Would you like a ride home?
Would you like to see a movie?
What would you like to eat?
“I’d like…” / “I would like…” is a polite way of saying “I want…”:
I’d like orange juice, please.
I’d like to take a nap.
I’d like some more ice cream, thank you.
I’d like a new bike for my birthday.
Note: “Would you like…?” and “Do you like…?” are different.
- “Do you like…?”: Someone is asking a general question (doesn’t have to be right now).
- “Would you like…?”: Someone is asking if you want something right now.
Do you like cake? (a general question)
—Yes. My favorite cake is yellow cake.
Would you like some cake? (asking about right now)
—No thank you, I’m not hungry.What do you like to do on vacation? (a general question)
—I like to relax, or go camping.
What would you like to do on this vacation? (asking about a vacation that you’ll be taking soon, not a general vacation)
—I’d really like to go to Mackinac Island.
Exercises: For the following sentences, choose the right expression.
Example:
(Do you like / Would you like) tea? —Yes, thank you. ==> Would you like tea? —Yes, thank you.
(Do you like / Would you like) cats? —No, I’m a dog person (I prefer dogs). ==> Do you like cats? —No, I’m a dog person.
1. (Do you like / Would you like) to work? —Yes, I enjoy my job.
2. (Do you like / Would you like) to see a movie? —Not today. I have an appointment at 3 o’clock.
3. (Do you like / Would you like) pizza? —Yes, it’s been ages since I’ve had one.
4. (Do you like / Would you like) ice cream? —Yes. Cookies and cream is my favorite flavor.
5. (Do you like / Would you like) to live in Chicago? —Yes, the city has a lot of interesting museums and a nice lakefront.
6. (Do you like / Would you like) to live in New York? —No, it’s too far away from my friends and family, so I don’t want to move there.
7. (Do you like / Would you like) to listen to classical music? —Yes, I find it very relaxing.
8. (Do you like / Would you like) to listen to classical music? —That sounds like a good idea. I’ve had a rough day.
9. (Do you like / Would you like) to watch TV? —No, I just want to read a book.
10. (Do you like / Would you like) to watch TV? —Yes, especially if I’m bored.