Introductory notes about expressing likes and dislikes
Expressing likes and dislikes is one of the most important pieces of information we often tell about ourselves. To make our conversations with others successful, we must know not only the words and expressions used for this purpose but their usage as well. In this post, we will explore the different ways of expressing likes and dislikes by providing illustrative examples.
Expressing likes
Notes:
Expressing likes means communicating our positive, personal preferences, feelings, and emotions. When we express likes, we are sharing what brings us joy, satisfaction, or pleasure. This could be anything from favorite foods (“I love pizza”) to activities (“I enjoy reading”), to more abstract concepts (“I appreciate kindness in others”).
The table below contains expressions of likes which, as you will see, are all followed by a noun or verb-ing.
| Ways of expressions of likes | Examples |
| I like ………. | 1. I like playing football. 2. I like football. |
| I love ………… | 1. I love listening to music. 2. I love music. |
| I adore ………… | 1. I adore practicing skiing. 2. I adore skiing. |
| I enjoy ………… | 1. I enjoy soap operas. 2. I enjoy watching soap operas. |
| I am keen on ………… | 1. I am keen on sunglasses. 2. I am keen on wearing sunglasses. |
| I am crazy about ………….. | 1. I am crazy about chocolate. 2. I am crazy about eating chocolate. |
| I am mad about ………….. | 1. I am mad about TV programs. 2. I am mad about watching TV programs. |
| I am fond of ………….. | 1. I am fond of swimming. 2. I am fond of going swimming. |
Expressing dislikes
Notes:
Expressing dislikes means communicating our negative, personal preferences feelings, and emotions. When we express dislikes, we’re communicating what makes us uncomfortable, unhappy, or what we want to avoid. For example, someone might say “I don’t like crowded places” or “I dislike being late.”
The table below contains expressions of dislikes which, like expressions of likes, are followed by a noun or verb-ing.
| Ways of expressions of dislikes | Examples |
| I don’t like ……………. | 1. I don’t like Italian shoes 2. I don’t like wearing Italian shoes. |
| I hate ………….. | 1. I hate car racing magazines. 2. I hate reading car racing magazines. |
| I abhor …………… | 1. I abhor Moroccan films. 2. I abhor watching Moroccan films. |
| I detest …………. | 1. I detest gardening. 2. I detest being a gardener. |
| I dislike …………. | 1. I dislike French. 2. I dislike studying French. |
| I can’t bear …………. | 1. I can’t bear rappers. 2. I can’t bear listening to rappers. |
| I can’t stand ……….. | 1. I can’t stand James Watson. 2. I can’t stand talking to James Watson. |
| I loathe ………… | 1. I loathe gossips. 2. I loathe gossiping. |
Exercise
Use the expressions in the tables above to express likes and dislikes with the following activities
- Video games
- Baking
- Camping
- Practicing aerobics
- Growing pets at home
- Surfing on the net
- Blogging
- Going to concerts
- Exercising
- Speaking to tourists
- Asking people to help me fix my problems
- Being alone
- Teaching primary school students
- Traveling by bus
- Public speaking
- Politics
- Cultural activities
- Group work
- Writing articles
- Comedy films
