In everyday life, we are constantly expressing likes and dislikes in English.
We talk about food. Movies. Music. Hobbies. Work.
But many English learners only use one sentence:
👍 I like it.
👎 I don’t like it.
If you want to sound more natural and more confident, you need more than that.
In this lesson, you will learn simple and natural ways to express your likes and dislikes in English. These phrases will help you speak more clearly, have better conversations, and describe your tastes and opinions with confidence.
There is also a short video lesson below where I explain why you should not always say “I don’t like it” and what to say instead.
Start now and improve the way you express yourself in English.
Likes and Dislikes in English
Expressing Likes in English
Here are some English phrases and words to say what you like:
- I adore
- I love
- I like
- I enjoy
- I’m into something
- I have a soft spot for something
- I’m quite keen on
- I think …. is/are brilliant …
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This session is for motivated learners who are serious about improving their spoken English.
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Level assessment and personalised feedback - Focus on speaking accuracy and fluency
- Clear recommendations for further study
For example:
I ADORE having a massage after work. It helps me to relax.
I LOVE shopping for clothes in the sales. I’ve got some great bargains.
I’M INTO making music.
I LIKE inviting my friends around for dinner. I ENJOY cooking a special meal for them.
I LIKE ice-cream
I HAVE A SOFT SPOT for Sarah
I’m QUITE KEEN ON learning new languages
I THINK Mark’s idea IS BRILLIANT
ADORE here suggests a strong feeling of pleasure.
Likes and Dislikes in English - List of Expressions
Expressing Dislikes in English
Here are some words in English to express things that you don’t like: I detest, I hate, I loathe, I’m not keen on, I can’t stand, I can’t bear …
For example:
I’M NOT KEEN ON watching soap operas.
I DETEST being stuck in a traffic jam.
I HATE Mondays!
I LOATHE visiting the dentist.
I CAN’T STAND Paula’s new boyfriend
Shopping DRIVES ME CRAZY
Both I CAN’T STAND and I CAN’T BEAR mean I HATE.
DETEST and LOATHE suggest strong feelings. These are things that you really don’t like doing, whereas I’M NOT KEEN ON expresses a preference.
We can use pronouns, nouns or verb +ING when we are expressing likes and dislikes in English:
I love it.
I hate football.
Waiting in queues drives me crazy.
Expressing Likes and Dislikes in English - Image to share!
How to talk about Likes and Dislikes in English?
Sarah, Kate, Steve and Tom are talking about what they like doing:
SARAH: I like inviting my friends round for dinner.
KATE: I’m not keen on cooking. I enjoy going out for a meal.
KATE: I like going to watch football on Saturday.
SARAH: I hate football. I’d rather go and play tennis.
STEVE: I like taking photographs on holiday.
TOM: I’m not into photography. I’d rather buy postcards instead.
TOM: I’m going to the rugby match on Saturday. Would you like to come with me?
STEVE: I hate rugby. I’ll be going shopping with Kate instead.
SARAH: I’m flying to Glasgow on Monday.
KATE: I hate flying. I like going by train, even if it takes a little longer.
Now it’s your turn. What do you like doing in your spare time? What do you hate doing?
More Information
For more information in English Expressions, English Phrasal Verbs and English Grammar Rules, check out the following links:
OTHER WORDS FOR LIKE IN ENGLISH
Amazing resources for intermediate and advanced English are always available at Learning English with the BBC
