4 phrases · A1 · A2 · B1

Likes and dislikes in English

Every phrase below is a fixed shape you can fill in and use immediately, ordered from the simplest to the most advanced. Each one carries what it means in English and in Hindi, three examples that vary the slot, and the situations it actually gets said in.

The phrases

Simplest first. The braces mark the part you change.

  • I like {-ING}

    A1

    Say what you enjoy doing.

    मुझे ___ करना पसंद है।

    • I like reading in the morning.
    • I like working with new people.
    • I like cooking on Sundays.

    As a question: What do you like doing at the weekend?

    Anywhere · say it as: I like / reading in the morning · used interviews, everyday life

  • I don't like {-ING}

    A1

    Say what you do not enjoy — without being rude about it.

    मुझे ___ करना पसंद नहीं है।

    • I don't like waiting in long queues.
    • I don't like speaking in front of a big group.
    • I don't like travelling late at night.

    As a question: What don't you like about it?

    Anywhere · say it as: I don't like / waiting · used at work, everyday life

  • I'm interested in {-ING}

    A2

    Say what you would like to learn about or get involved in.

    मुझे ___ में दिलचस्पी है।

    • I'm interested in learning data analysis.
    • I'm interested in working with the design team.
    • I'm interested in understanding how the process works.

    As a question: What are you interested in?

    Anywhere · say it as: I'm interested in / learning data analysis · used interviews, college

  • I prefer {NOUN}

    B1

    Say what you generally like better.

    मुझे ___ ज़्यादा पसंद है।

    • I prefer morning shifts.
    • I prefer working in a small team.
    • I prefer a phone call to a long email.

    As a question: Which one do you prefer?

    Anywhere · say it as: I prefer / working in a small team · used interviews, everyday life

What goes wrong

The versions that get said instead, and why they land differently.

Commonly saidCorrect English

I like to reading.

I like reading.

Choose one: "like reading" or "like to read". Not both together.

I am not liking this.

I don't like this.

"Like" describes how you feel, so it does not normally take -ing.

I'm interested to learn data analysis.

I'm interested in learning data analysis.

After "interested in", a verb takes -ing.

I prefer tea than coffee.

I prefer tea to coffee.

With "prefer", English uses "to" for the comparison, not "than".

Where you will need these

The same phrases, sorted by the room you are standing in.

More phrase groups on the phrases index, or browse by situation on the speaking pages.

Reading it is not the same as saying it.

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