I'd like to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I'd like to" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to express one's desire or wish to do something. For example: "I'd like to go to the beach this weekend."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I'd like to watch.

The New Yorker

"I'd like to.

The New Yorker

I'd like to stay".

The New York Times - Magazine

"I'd like to know".

The New York Times - Sports

"I'd like to score.

Independent

"Yes, I'd like to".

The New Yorker

I'd like to believe him.

The New York Times

What I'd like to know?

The New York Times - Books

I'd like to own it.

The New York Times

I'd like to look around.

The New York Times

"I'd like to congratulate Novak.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When making a demand or strong statement, consider using "I want to" instead, as "I'd like to" can sometimes sound too indirect.

Common error

While versatile, "I'd like to" can sound too casual in very formal writing. Consider using "I wish to" or "I would like to" in such situations to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I'd like to" functions as a preface to express a desire, intention, or request. It introduces the specific action or state that the speaker wishes to occur, as confirmed by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "I'd like to" is a versatile phrase used to express desires, intentions, or requests politely. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and highly prevalent, particularly in News & Media. While suitable for various contexts, it is important to adjust the level of formality based on the situation. For instance, in more formal settings, consider using alternatives like "I would like to" or "I wish to." Understanding these nuances will help you use "I'd like to" effectively in your writing and speech.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I would like to

More formal alternative using "would" instead of "'d" (I would).

I wish to

A more formal and direct way to express a desire.

I want to

A straightforward and common way to express a desire, less polite.

I desire to

A formal and somewhat archaic way to express a wish.

I am inclined to

Expresses a tendency or willingness to do something.

I am willing to

Indicates readiness or consent to do something.

I feel like

Expresses a less formal desire or urge.

It would please me to

A very formal and polite expression of desire.

I am eager to

Expresses enthusiasm and anticipation.

My intention is to

States a clear plan or purpose.

FAQs

What is the difference between "I'd like to" and "I want to"?

"I'd like to" is a more polite and indirect way of expressing a desire, whereas "I want to" is more direct and can sometimes sound demanding. For example, "I'd like to order a coffee" is more polite than "I want to order a coffee".

What can I say instead of "I'd like to" to sound more formal?

To sound more formal, you can use phrases like "I would like to" or "I wish to". These alternatives are suitable for professional or academic settings.

Is "I'd like to" grammatically correct?

Yes, "I'd like to" is grammatically correct. It is a contraction of "I would like to", which is a common and acceptable way to express a desire or request.

How do I use "I'd like to" in a sentence?

You can use "I'd like to" followed by a verb to express a desire or intention. For example, "I'd like to visit Paris someday" or "I'd like to thank you for your help".