Saying that you like something or don’t like it

Learning English opens up many opportunities for communication and self-expression. One of the key aspects of mastering a language is the ability to express what you like and what you dislike. This not only helps you communicate more effectively but also allows you to build closer connections with people by understanding their interests and opinions. In this article, we will explore how to talk about your preferences in English, using various sentence structures and vocabulary.

Expressing Likes

Basic phrases

I like

• Example: I like reading books.
• Explanation: Use this phrase to express something you enjoy doing regularly or generally.

I love

• Example: I love traveling.
• Explanation: This is a stronger way to express that you really enjoy something a lot.

I enjoy

• Example: I enjoy listening to music.
• Explanation: Use this to talk about activities that give you pleasure.

I’m fond of

• Example: I’m fond of playing the guitar.
• Explanation: This phrase is used to express a liking for something, often with a sense of warmth or affection.

I’m keen on

• Example: I’m keen on painting.
• Explanation: Use this to express a strong interest or enthusiasm for something.

Expanded phrases

I’m a big fan of

• Example: I’m a big fan of football.
• Explanation: This phrase indicates a strong interest or admiration for a particular activity or thing.

I’m really into

• Example: I’m really into photography.
• Explanation: This is a casual way to express that you have a significant interest in something.

I’m passionate about

• Example: I’m passionate about cooking.
• Explanation: Use this to show a deep and enthusiastic interest in something.

Talking about frequency of likes

I often

• Example: I often watch movies.
• Explanation: Use this to express something you do frequently.

I usually

• Example: I usually go for a walk in the evening.
• Explanation: This indicates something you do regularly or as part of a routine.

I always

• Example: I always drink coffee in the morning.
• Explanation: This phrase is used to talk about actions or habits that are constant or very frequent.

Expressing interests

I have a passion for

• Example: I have a passion for writing.
• Explanation: This phrase indicates a strong interest and enjoyment in something.

I have an interest in

• Example: I have an interest in history.
• Explanation: Use this to talk about things you are curious about or want to learn more about.

Expressing dislikes

Basic phrases

I don’t like

• Example: I don’t like loud music.
• Explanation: Use this to express a general dislike or aversion.

I dislike

• Example: I dislike waking up early.
• Explanation: This is a more formal way to express that you don’t like something.

I hate

• Example: I hate doing the dishes.
• Explanation: This expresses a very strong dislike for something.

I can’t stand

• Example: I can’t stand hot weather.
• Explanation: Use this phrase to express a strong intolerance for something.

I’m not keen on

• Example: I’m not keen on spicy food.
• Explanation: This is a polite way to say that you don’t really like something.

Expanded phrases

I’m not a fan of

• Example: I’m not a fan of horror movies.
• Explanation: Use this to express mild disinterest or lack of enthusiasm.

I’m not really into

• Example: I’m not really into video games.
• Explanation: This is a casual way to say that you don’t have a particular interest in something.

Phrases for expressing disinterest

I find it boring

• Example: I find studying grammar boring.
• Explanation: Use this to say that something does not interest you and makes you feel uninterested.

I’m not interested in

• Example: I’m not interested in politics.
• Explanation: This phrase is used to express that something does not capture your interest.

It’s not my cup of tea

• Example: Camping is not my cup of tea.
• Explanation: This idiom is used to indicate that something is not to your liking or preference.

Talking about things you never do

I never

• Example: I never watch TV.
• Explanation: Use this to talk about things you do not do at all.

I rarely

• Example: I rarely eat fast food.
• Explanation: This phrase is used to indicate something you do very infrequently.

I hardly ever

• Example: I hardly ever go to the beach.
• Explanation: This is another way to express that something happens almost never.

By understanding and using these phrases, you can effectively communicate your likes and dislikes in English. This not only helps in daily conversations but also enhances your ability to connect with others and share your personal experiences and preferences.

An example of 10 dialogues in English for every day

Dialogue 1: Discussing favorite hobbies

А: What do you like to do in your spare time?
B: I love playing the guitar and I’m a big fan of photography.

A: That sounds interesting! I’m really into painting and hiking.
B: Oh, I’m not keen on painting. I find it a bit tedious.

A: Really? I find painting very relaxing and rewarding.
B: I prefer activities that involve movement, like hiking.

A: Hiking is great! I usually go hiking on weekends.
B: Same here! I enjoy exploring new trails and taking photos of nature.

A: That’s wonderful. Do you have any other hobbies?
B: Yes, I also like reading books, especially mystery novels.

Dialogue 2: Talking about your favorite food

А: What kind of food do you like?
B: I love Italian cuisine, especially pasta and pizza.

A: Italian food is delicious! I’m really into sushi and Japanese food.
B: I’m not a big fan of sushi, to be honest. I don’t like raw fish.

A: That’s understandable. Not everyone likes it.
B: I prefer something cooked and with lots of flavor, like a good steak.

A: I get that. I also enjoy a well-cooked steak now and then.
B: Do you like spicy food?

A: Not really. I can’t stand very spicy dishes.
B: I love spicy food! The hotter, the better.

Dialogue 3: Vacation and travel

А: Where do you like to go for vacation?
B: I love going to the beach. I’m a big fan of sunbathing and swimming.

A: I enjoy the beach too, but I prefer mountain vacations.
B: Mountains are beautiful, but I can’t stand the cold weather.

A: That’s why I usually go in the summer when it’s warmer.
B: Makes sense. Do you like to travel to different countries?

A: Yes, I love exploring new cultures and trying local food.
B: Me too! I enjoy visiting historical places and learning about their history.

A: Have you been to any interesting places recently?
B: Yes, I recently went to Rome. It was amazing!

Dialogue 4: Sports and active recreation

А: Do you like playing sports?
B: Yes, I love playing basketball and I’m really into running.

A: That’s great! I enjoy playing tennis and swimming.
B: I’m not a fan of tennis. I find it too difficult.

A: It can be challenging, but it’s also a lot of fun.
B: I prefer team sports. They’re more exciting for me.

A: That’s true. I like the teamwork aspect of basketball.
B: Do you watch sports on TV?

A: Yes, I often watch football and tennis matches.
B: I only watch basketball games. They’re the most exciting for me.

Dialogue 5: Movies and series

А: What kind of movies do you like?
B: I love science fiction movies. They’re fascinating.

A: I prefer comedies. I enjoy a good laugh.
B: I’m not a big fan of comedies. I find most of them silly.

A: That’s okay. Everyone has different tastes.
B: Do you like watching TV series?

A: Yes, I’m really into drama series. They’re very engaging.
B: I enjoy mystery and crime series. They keep me on the edge of my seat.

A: Have you watched any good series recently?
B: Yes, I just finished watching “Breaking Bad.” It was amazing!

Dialogue 6: Music and preferences

А: What kind of music do you like?
B: I’m a big fan of rock music. I love bands like The Beatles and Led Zeppelin.

A: Rock is great! I prefer pop music, though.
B: Pop music is good too. Do you have a favorite artist?

A: Yes, I really like Taylor Swift. Her songs are amazing.
B: I’m not really into pop music. I find it a bit too mainstream.

A: I understand. Different genres for different moods.
B: Exactly. I also enjoy classical music when I want to relax.

A: Classical music is beautiful. It’s so calming.
B: Absolutely. Do you play any musical instruments?

Dialogue 7: Reading and books

А: Do you like reading books?
B: Yes, I love reading. I’m really into fantasy novels.

A: Fantasy is great! I prefer reading mystery and detective novels.
B: I’m not a fan of mysteries. I find them too predictable.

A: That’s interesting. I love trying to solve the mystery before the end.
B: Have you read any good books recently?

A: Yes, I just finished “The Hobbit.” It was amazing!
B: I love “The Hobbit.” It’s one of my favorite books.

A: What’s your all-time favorite book?
B: That’s a tough question, but I’d say “Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone.”

Dialogue 8: Domestic animals and their pets

А: Do you have any pets?
B: Yes, I have a cat and a dog. I love animals.

A: That’s great! I have a cat too. I’m really into cats.
B: Cats are wonderful. My cat loves to cuddle.

A: Mine too! But I’m not a fan of dogs. They’re too noisy for me.
B: I understand. Dogs can be loud, but they’re so loyal.

A: True. Do you enjoy taking your dog for walks?
B: Yes, I love it. It’s a great way to get some exercise.

A: That’s nice. I prefer spending time at home with my cat.
B: Each pet has its own charm.

A: Absolutely. It’s great to have a furry friend.

Dialogue 9: Work and career

А: What do you like most about your job?
B: I love working with people and solving problems.

A: That’s great. I enjoy the creative aspects of my job.
B: I’m not really into creative work. I prefer structured tasks.

A: That’s understandable. Different jobs for different people.
B: Do you like working in an office or remotely?

A: I prefer working remotely. I like the flexibility it offers.
B: I enjoy working in an office. I like the social interaction.

A: That’s true. It’s nice to have colleagues around.
B: Exactly. Do you like your current job?

A: Yes, I love it. It’s challenging but very rewarding.

Dialogue 10: Free time and rest

А: What do you like to do in your free time?
B: I love going for long walks and reading books.

A: That sounds relaxing. I enjoy watching movies and cooking.
B: I’m not really into cooking. I find it too time-consuming.

A: I understand. It can take a lot of time.
B: Do you like going to the gym?

A: Yes, I often go to the gym. I like staying fit.
B: I prefer outdoor activities like hiking and cycling.

A: That’s nice. I also enjoy cycling on weekends.
B: It’s a great way to relax and enjoy nature.

A: Absolutely. It’s important to have hobbies that you enjoy.

The ability to express one’s likes and dislikes is an important component of fluency in English. It helps not only in everyday communication, but also in forming deep and trusting relationships with other people. Using the given expressions, you will be able to speak more accurately and confidently about your interests in English. Practice using these phrases in real conversations and soon you will see your communication skills improve.

To talk about your free time and practice, read the article: How to talk about your free time activities