Introduction

Understanding the difference between "like," "would like," and "be like" is essential for the TOEIC test, as these expressions are frequently used in business and everyday conversations. Mastering these can help you express preferences, make polite requests, and compare things effectively.

Explanation

Like: This verb is used to express general preferences or enjoyment. For example:

I like coffee. (This means you generally enjoy coffee.)
She likes to read reports. (She enjoys reading reports regularly.)

Would like: This phrase is more polite and formal, often used for requests or specific desires. It is commonly used in business settings. For example:

I would like a coffee, please. (This is a polite way to ask for coffee.)
We would like to schedule a meeting. (A polite way to express a desire to arrange a meeting.)

Be like: This structure is used for making comparisons or describing someone's characteristics. For example:

He is like his father. (This means he has similar qualities to his father.)
What is the new manager like? (This asks about the manager's characteristics or behavior.)

Common mistakes

Mixing "like" and "would like": Remember, "like" is for general preferences, while "would like" is for specific, polite requests.

Incorrect: I like a coffee, please.
Correct: I would like a coffee, please.

Confusing "be like" with "like": Use "be like" for comparisons, not to express enjoyment.

Incorrect: I am like coffee.
Correct: I like coffee.

Tips for the TOEIC test

Listen carefully to the context in conversations to determine if someone is expressing a preference, making a request, or making a comparison.
Pay attention to polite requests in dialogues, as "would like" is often used in business scenarios.
Practice distinguishing between these expressions in reading passages to improve comprehension.

Mini practice

Fill in the blanks with "like," "would like," or "be like":

During the meeting, she said she ________ to discuss the new project.
The new software is ________ the old version but with more features.
Most employees ________ having flexible work hours.

Answers

would like
like
like

Explanation

Like: This verb is used to express general preferences or enjoyment. For example:

I like coffee. (This means you generally enjoy coffee.)

She likes to read reports. (She enjoys reading reports regularly.)

Would like: This phrase is more polite and formal, often used for requests or specific desires. It is commonly used in business settings. For example:

I would like a coffee, please. (This is a polite way to ask for coffee.)

We would like to schedule a meeting. (A polite way to express a desire to arrange a meeting.)

Be like: This structure is used for making comparisons or describing someone's characteristics. For example:

He is like his father. (This means he has similar qualities to his father.)

What is the new manager like? (This asks about the manager's characteristics or behavior.)

Common mistakes

Mixing "like" and "would like": Remember, "like" is for general preferences, while "would like" is for specific, polite requests.

Incorrect: I like a coffee, please.

Correct: I would like a coffee, please.

Confusing "be like" with "like": Use "be like" for comparisons, not to express enjoyment.

Incorrect: I am like coffee.

Correct: I like coffee.

Tips for the TOEIC test

Listen carefully to the context in conversations to determine if someone is expressing a preference, making a request, or making a comparison.

Pay attention to polite requests in dialogues, as "would like" is often used in business scenarios.

Practice distinguishing between these expressions in reading passages to improve comprehension.

'Like', 'would like' and 'be like': expressing preferences and comparisons

Introduction

Explanation

Common mistakes

Tips for the TOEIC test

Mini practice

Answers

'Like', 'would like' and 'be like': expressing preferences and comparisons

Introduction

Explanation

Common mistakes

Tips for the TOEIC test

Mini practice

Answers