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Prolix Posted 13 years ago
Grammar
"Like" or "would like"
Hi everyone, I understand that one uses "would like" when indicating a preference for a particular circumstance. For example, I would like to join your party tomorrow.
Conversely, one uses "like" when speaking of a general preference. For example, I like fishing.
The above more or less applies to "prefer" and "would prefer" as well.
If that's the case, why do people still say things like You can join us at the party tomorrow, if you like ? Or We can drop you off at the bus stop, if you prefer. Shouldn't it be "would like" and "would prefer", respectively? And yet I've seen such usage in respectable books, such as Agatha Christie's novels.
Would be grateful for your answers! Thanks
Conversely, one uses "like" when speaking of a general preference. For example, I like fishing.
The above more or less applies to "prefer" and "would prefer" as well.
If that's the case, why do people still say things like You can join us at the party tomorrow, if you like ? Or We can drop you off at the bus stop, if you prefer. Shouldn't it be "would like" and "would prefer", respectively? And yet I've seen such usage in respectable books, such as Agatha Christie's novels.
Would be grateful for your answers! Thanks
Top answer
org/dictionary/british/if-you-like
- org/dictionary/british/if-you-like
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4 Answers
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In "if you like", "like" is intransitive. It's a different case from "would like something".
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