I'd like you to meet my boyfriend

Question

Hi,A: I'd like you to meet my boyfriend.B: I'd like for you to meet my boyfriend.C: I like you to meet my boyfriend.1.  Are 'B' and 'C' grammatically correct?2. Is there a difference in meaning between the three sentences?(given that 'B' and 'C' are acceptable)Could someone answer my questions?  Thank you.

Canadian45 · Accepted Answer

jooneyHi,

A: I'd like you to meet my boyfriend. [Y]

B: I'd like for you to meet my boyfriend. [N] "for" doesn't belong there.

C: I like you to meet my boyfriend. [N]

1. Are 'B' and 'C' grammatically correct? No, and they should not be used to mean A.
2. Is there a difference in meaning between the three sentences?(given that 'B' and 'C' are acceptable) Do you mean 'if B and C are acceptable'? They are not acceptable.

Could someone answer my questions? Thank you.
c45

Cayuse · Answer

The pedants around here will certainly argue that only B is correct.

However, in informal American English you will probably find that A is the most common.

C is never correct or acceptable because this form is only used when something happens often, or at least more than once.

"I like you call me" or "I like for you to call me"

Or if you have a very close friend to whom you like introducing people you can say:

"I like you to meet my boyfriends"

Actually let me ammend this reply.

"I'd like you to meet my boyfriend." Is proper as an introduction at the moment the 2 parties are meeting.

"I'd like for you to meet my boyfriend" Is proper when you are describing a meeting that you hope to happen in the future.

Again in informal American English you will find that both of these can be used to mean the second. However, only the first should be used during an actual introduction.

Jooney · Answer

Thank you both for the reply.

First, I would like to ask C45 about something.

Are 'B' and 'C' grammatically correct? "No, and they should not be used to mean A."

Does that mean they can be used in some other context?

How about the following pair? Do they carry the same meaning?

A: They intended the performance to begin at six.

B: They intended for the performance to begin at six.

And I have a question for cayuse.

May I ask your nationality?(What is the politest way to ask this question? Hopefully you're not offended by this question) So you find that 'B' is the most appropriate, right?

Canadian45 · Answer

jooneyFirst, I would like to ask C45 about something. Are 'B' and 'C' grammatically correct? "No, and they should not be used to mean A." Does that mean they can be used in some other context? No, I can't think of a situation in which I would use B or C.

How about the following pair? Do they carry the same meaning? Yes, but I would never use B. "for" is not only unnecessary, but it also degrades the sentence, in my opinion.

A: They intended the performance to begin at six.

B: They intended for the performance to begin at six.

c45

Jooney · Answer

Thank you very much for you help, C45.  I appreciate it.<img class='emoticon' style='Width:19px;Height:19px;' data-delaysrc='https://uat-englishforward-forums-backend.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/Emoticons/1.gif' src='https://uat-englishforward-forums-backend.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/Emoticons/1.gif' alt='Emotion: smile'/>

Cayuse · Answer

I'm an American. I don't think asking that question is rude. Infact, there are a lot of differences in the way that the various English speaking countries use English, so sometimes you really need to know.

I agree with C45 that 'C' is not correct.

I checked my favorite site of common english errors, and it says that my answer was incorrect.

http://public.wsu.edu/~brians/errors/likefor.html

Regards,

Cay

Jooney · Answer

Hi, Cayuse.

Thank you for clearing that up. I'm glad my question asking about your nationality didn't offend you. Thanks.

I'd like you to meet my boyfriend

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