Learning it isn't difficult, but it's still important to pay close attention to this lesson to grasp every nuance and use it like a native speaker. Read on to discover the conjugation of the verb "like" in English, its negative form , its interrogative form , and the cases in which it is used. To make it easier for you to understand, we'll also add examples and sentences so you can see the verb "like" in context.
The Verb “Like” in English
What is the verb "like" in English?
"Like" is one of the most useful verbs in English: you use it constantly to talk about what you enjoy, to make polite requests, and to ask about other people's tastes. It is a regular, transitive verb, so the conjugation is easy, but there are a few patterns worth getting right, above all like + -ing versus like + to, and the polite would like. This guide from SPRACHCAFFE covers them with clear tables, examples, and an exercise.
What "like" means
In its most common use, to like expresses enjoyment, preference, or appreciation for something or someone. Unlike in many other languages, it is transitive: it takes a direct object with no preposition.
- I like pizza.
- She likes your jacket.
Like is softer than love: you like something you enjoy, and you love something you adore.
like + -ing or like + to?
When "like" is followed by another verb, both the -ing form and the to-infinitive are possible, with a slight difference in feel:
- like + -ing describes enjoying an activity in general: I like dancing. / You don't like going out in the evening.
- like + to + infinitive often points to a habit or a choice you think is a good idea: I like to watch TV before bed. / He likes to stay home on Sundays.
There is also the fixed phrase as you like ("as you wish"): Make whatever you want for dinner, as you like!
Verb "Like" in English: Negative and Affirmative Forms
The negative and question forms
Like every ordinary English verb, "like" forms the negative and the question with the auxiliary do / does (and did in the past):
- Affirmative: You like my jacket. / She likes dancing.
- Negative: We don't like him. / You don't like cabbage, but you'll eat it anyway.
- Question: Do you like pizza? / Does he like the film? / Did you like the concert?
would like: polite requests and wishes
Used with would, "like" no longer means "enjoy" but "want", in a polite way. It is followed by a noun or by to + infinitive, and would never changes for the subject:
- I would like a coffee, please.
- I would like to order a large pepperoni pizza.
- Would you like some tea? / Would you like to go for a walk?
Note the difference: Do you like tea? asks about a general preference, while Would you like some tea? offers tea right now.
[Bridge: Teaserbox English Language Courses, link to programme page]
Conjugation of "like"
Simple present (regular; only the third person singular adds -s):
| Person | Form |
|---|---|
| I | like |
| you | like |
| he / she / it | likes |
| we | like |
| you | like |
| they | like |
Simple past (regular, -ed for all persons): I / you / he / she / it / we / you / they liked.
Future (will + base form for all persons): I / you / he / she / it / we / you / they will like.
Progressive forms (with the -ing form):
| Person | Present continuous | Past continuous | Present perfect continuous | Past perfect continuous |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| I | am liking | was liking | have been liking | had been liking |
| you | are liking | were liking | have been liking | had been liking |
| he / she / it | is liking | was liking | has been liking | had been liking |
| we | are liking | were liking | have been liking | had been liking |
| you | are liking | were liking | have been liking | had been liking |
| they | are liking | were liking | have been liking | had been liking |
A note on style: "like" is a state verb, so the continuous forms (I am liking it) are far less common than the simple ones (I like it). You will meet them mainly in informal or emphatic speech.
Conditional (would + base form for all persons): I / you / he / she / it / we / you / they would like.
English Interrogative Form of the Verb "like": Examples and Sentences
Exercise: choose the correct form
- ___ you like coffee? (question)
- He ___ like horror films; they scare him. (negative)
- I ___ like to book a table for two, please. (polite request)
- She really ___ dancing. (third person, simple present)
- We ___ the concert last night. (simple past)
Answer key: 1. Do 2. doesn't 3. would 4. likes 5. liked
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