When to use "Do"?

Question

Hello

I've ran into a problem. I can't figured out when to use "do" or not. I will give you some examples so you understand what I mean.

Waiter: Hello, Can I help you?

Kim: Yes, I'd like to have some lunch.

Waiter: Hello, Can I help you?

Kim: Yes, I like to have some lunch.

Which one of them is correct? And why?

Earlier today, when I ate breakfast I heard the fantastic song "If I were a boy" by beyonce. I noticed that she sings "I'd roll out of the bed in the morning. Why?"

"If I were a boy, even just for a day

I'd roll out of bed in the morning"

I'm sorry for my bad language, but I hope you will understand!!

Best wishes from sweden!!!

Fandorin · Accepted Answer

Hi, Uberanton, welocome to EnglishForward.

uberantonI've ran into a problem. I can't figured out when to use "do" or not. I will give you some examples so you understand what I mean.

Waiter: Hello, Can I help you?

Kim: Yes, I'd [would] like to have some lunch= I want to order lunch. "Would" is a modal here and expresses politeness and preference.

Waiter: Hello, Can I help you?

Kim: Yes, I like to have some lunch= Having lunch is a thing I like, and I often do it. You say what you love to do, not making an order. It sounds strange. like + -to infinitive means in generall what you like in general.

What do you like? I like to swim. (I like and I do it when I can)
What would you like to have tommorow's dinner? I'd like fried fish and fresh salad. (That's what I prefer.)

Earlier today, when I ate breakfast I heard the fantastic song "If I were a boy" by beyonce. I noticed that she sings "I'd roll out of the bed in the morning. Why?"

"If I were/was a boy, even just for a day

I'd [would] roll out of bed in the morning" It's unreal situation called The Second Condition (she will never be a boy she just imagine it).

If I were a doctor, I would make a lot of operations. (But I am not a doctor)

I'm sorry for my bad language, but I hope you will understand!!

Best wishes from sweden!!!

When do you want to use "do"?

CalifJim · Answer

Welcome to English Forums!

'd doesn't mean do. It means would.

To say you want something, you use the idiom "would like", not just "like".

I would like to have some lunch.
I would like to travel in Mexico.
I would like to see that movie.

I would can be expressed as I'd:

I'd like to [have some lunch / travel in Mexico / see that movie].
___

I'd roll out of bed = I would roll out of bed.

CJ

Uberanton · Answer

Thanks alot Califjim and Fandorin!

I thought 'd means "do"

That helped my alot! Love this forum

Thanks from sweden!!!!

When to use "Do"?

Top answer

Get the Weekly English Kit 📬

Related Questions