I likes

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I likes" is not correct in standard written English.
The correct form is "I like," which is used to express a preference or enjoyment of something. Example: "I like to read books in my free time."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

In the present study, we hypothesized that Malaysians with more experiences of nature in childhood (hereafter Experience) would show more positive affective attitudes toward wild animals, in terms of (i) likes and dislikes (hereafter Preference) and (ii) willingness to coexist (hereafter Coexistence).

Ecological Processes

She says, "I likes it fine.

The New Yorker

I likes you," she improbably tells him.

The New Yorker

(She: "You lil' pulpit poet you. I likes you". He: "I likes you, too").

The New York Times

You learn from everybody, and the collection of 'I likes' becomes you".

The New York Times - Food

Of him, the famous bowler J.C. Shaw remarked: "I puts the ball where I likes, but he puts it where he likes".

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

At live shows, Adele's on-stage banter has become justifiably famous, and most of it is like this, generous and filthy, broken up by bawdy laughter and what-am-I-likes.

The Guardian - Music

I like what I like.

The New Yorker

"I like sports, I like ski-ing.

Independent

I like taekwondo; I like judo.

The New York Times

Speer I liked, Albert Speer I liked.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Replace the phrase with grammatically correct alternatives such as "I enjoy" or "I am fond of" to maintain clarity and professionalism in your writing.

Common error

Avoid conjugating "like" as "likes" when using the first-person singular pronoun "I". This is a common error that can undermine the credibility of your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I likes" is typically intended to express personal preference or enjoyment, but it fails to do so effectively due to its grammatical incorrectness. Ludwig AI flags it as incorrect. Therefore, it does not fulfill its intended function in standard English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

11%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "I likes" is used in some contexts, it is grammatically incorrect in standard English. Ludwig AI suggests using the correct form, "I like", or other alternatives such as "I enjoy" to properly express your preferences. Given that the grammatical status of "I likes" is incorrect, it is more suitable for informal contexts, and should be avoided in professional or academic writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I like

Corrects the grammatical error by using the proper conjugation of the verb 'like'.

I enjoy

Replaces "like" with "enjoy" to express pleasure or satisfaction.

I am fond of

Indicates a liking for something, but with a slightly more formal tone.

I have a preference for

Expresses a preference in a more formal and direct manner.

I am keen on

Expresses enthusiasm or strong interest in something.

I am partial to

Indicates a special liking for something, often implying a slight bias.

I am a fan of

Expresses admiration or strong support for something or someone.

I am delighted by

Expresses great pleasure and enjoyment.

I relish

Implies a great enjoyment and appreciation.

It appeals to me

Indicates that something is attractive or interesting to the speaker.

FAQs

What is the correct way to say "I likes"?

The correct way to express preference or enjoyment is to say "I like". The form "I likes" is grammatically incorrect.

Are there any situations where "I likes" would be considered acceptable?

No, "I likes" is not considered acceptable in standard English. It is always grammatically incorrect. Use "I like" instead.

What are some alternatives to "I like"?

You can use alternatives like "I enjoy", "I am fond of", or "I appreciate" to express a similar sentiment.

Is "I likes" ever used in dialects or specific regional variations of English?

While non-standard dialects might exist where "I likes" is used, it's generally considered ungrammatical in standard English. Stick to "I like" for clarity and correctness.