English - Lesson 33 of 139: Preferences

I like ___.

state a basic like

Meaning: State a basic like.

When to use: Use it for things, people, places, foods, or activities you like.

Tip: Use the -ing form for activities: “I like swimming,” not “I like swim.”

I like coffee.

I like walking in the park.

I really like ___.

state a stronger like

Meaning: State a stronger like.

When to use: Use it when your feeling is more than a normal like, but still everyday and natural.

I really like this song.

I really like spicy food.

I don't like ___.

state a dislike

Meaning: State a dislike.

When to use: Use it when you do not enjoy something.

Tip: Use “don’t” with “I”: “I don’t like,” not “I no like.”

I don't like cold weather.

I don't like horror movies.

I'm not a big fan of ___.

state a mild dislike politely

Meaning: State a mild dislike politely.

When to use: Use it when you want to sound softer than “I don’t like.”

I'm not a big fan of loud music.

I'm not a big fan of very sweet drinks.

I prefer ___.

state a simple preference

Meaning: State a simple preference.

When to use: Use it when you choose one thing as better for you.

I prefer tea.

I prefer quiet restaurants.

I prefer ___ to ___.

compare two preferences

Meaning: Compare two preferences.

When to use: Use it when you choose one option over another option.

Tip: The order matters: “I prefer tea to coffee” means tea is your first choice.

I prefer tea to coffee.

I prefer texting to calling.

My favorite ___ is ___.

state a favorite

Meaning: State a favorite.

When to use: Use it to name your number one choice in a category.

My favorite food is pasta.

My favorite color is blue.

Do you like ___?

ask about a like

Meaning: Ask about a like.

When to use: Use it to invite another person to share an opinion or preference.

Do you like jazz?

Do you like this restaurant?

Which do you prefer, ___ or ___?

ask someone to choose between two options

Meaning: Ask someone to choose between two options.

When to use: Use it when there are two choices and you want to know the other person’s preference.

Which do you prefer, coffee or tea?

Which do you prefer, movies or games?

I love ___.

Express strong liking

Meaning: Express strong liking.

When to use: Use it when you feel very positive about something.

I love chocolate.

I love weekend trips.

I enjoy ___.

Express enjoyment of an activity or thing

Meaning: Express enjoyment of an activity or thing.

When to use: Use it for activities and experiences that make you feel good.

I enjoy cooking.

I enjoy quiet mornings.

I can't stand ___.

Express very strong dislike

Meaning: Express very strong dislike.

When to use: Use it when you really, really do not like something. It can sound strong, so use it carefully.

I can't stand traffic.

I can't stand rude comments.

I don't mind ___.

Express neutral acceptance

Meaning: Express neutral acceptance.

When to use: Use it when something is okay for you, but not your favorite.

I don't mind pizza.

I don't mind waiting a few minutes.

English - Preferences

1. Reading + Listening Practice

2. Conversational Listening Practice

3. Guided Practice

Which phrase means you like something very much?

Which phrase is the softest way to say you dislike something?

Which question asks someone to choose between two options?

Which phrase means something is okay, but not your favorite?

Anna: We can have coffee or tea. David: I prefer tea to coffee.

David: The music is very loud. Anna: Yes, I'm not a big fan of loud music.

Anna: Do you want to cook tonight? David: Sure. I enjoy cooking.

Match the core phrases

Match the extra phrases

4. Speaking Practice