How do you like it // How would you like it?

Question

Let's say I'm brewing coffee for a guest.

These two expressions:

How do you like it?

and

How would you like it?

can both be used to ask the guest what kind of coffee he/she prefers.

Now, the guest drinks the coffee.

I could say "How do you like it?" to ask him/her how the coffee is.

Could I, in this situation, use "How would you like it?" and mean the same thing?

I'm thinking no.

I was at an online English forum in South Korea

and the question came up.

I'd appreciate your answers, and any explanations as to why "How would you like it?" cannot mean "How is it?"

I already have one - the tenses don't match.

I need others, if there are any.

Old Man Gordon · Accepted Answer

I thnk you have a good understanding of the issue.

The questions mean the same before (the first question emphasizes the usual preference/ the second question emphasizes the current preference); but after drinking, 'how do you like it?' refers to the quality/approval of the coffee. After drinking, 'How would you like it?' can only be used if the guest has said that there is something wrong with the preparation.

Marius Hancu · Answer

I agree with OMG.

Anonymous · Answer

Hi, Mr. Gordon
Is it correct to ask:
How do you like it?
referring to your new job, for example?
How should one answer it?
Thanks in advance,
Chris

How do you like it // How would you like it?

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