Like, love and hate talk about how you feel in general. Want and would like talk about what you wish for right now or in the future. The verb that comes after them can be -ing or to + verb, and choosing the right one is easier than it looks.
The pattern
I like cooking. I like to cook.
I'd like to order a coffee.
My boss wants me to call her.
01Like, love, hate: -ing or to
After like, love, hate and prefer, you can use -ing or to + verb. In American English both are very common and the meaning is the same.
After enjoy and don't mind, use only -ing.
- I love cooking for my friends.
- I love to cook for my friends.
- My roommate hates waking up early.
- We enjoy walking by the lake.
02Want to and would like to
After want and would like, use to + verb, never -ing. I'd like is the short form of I would like. It's more polite than I want, so use it in stores, restaurants and at work. The same is true for would love to and would hate to.
- I want to buy a new phone.
- I'd like to make an appointment, please.
- We'd love to come to your party!
03Want someone to do something
When you want another person to do something, put the person between want and to: want + me / you / him / her / us / them + to + verb. Don't say "want that someone does."
- My mom wants me to call her every Sunday.
- Do you want us to bring anything?
- The coach wants the team to run every morning.
04Would you like...? or Do you like...?
Would you like...? is an offer or an invitation for now. Do you like...? asks about your feelings in general.
| Question | Meaning | Answer |
|---|---|---|
| Would you like some coffee? | an offer now | Yes, please. / No, thanks. |
| Do you like coffee? | in general | Yes, I do. / No, I don't. |
| Would you like to come? | an invitation | I'd love to! |
| Do you like dancing? | in general | Yes, I love it. |
05Common mistakes
I want go home.
I want to go home.
Want needs to before the next verb.
She wants that I help her.
She wants me to help her.
Use want + person + to + verb, not want that.
I would like going to Miami.
I'd like to go to Miami.
Would like is followed by to + verb, not -ing.
Do you like a cup of tea? I just made some.
Would you like a cup of tea? I just made some.
For an offer, use Would you like.