I should like

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I should like" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to express a desire or preference, often in a more formal or polite context. Example: "I should like to request your assistance with this matter."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I should like to say again.

The New Yorker

Oh, I should like to get away.

The New Yorker

It's everything I should like.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

I should like to offer a different perspective.

The Economist

Personally I should like to forget George Osborne's chancellorship.

The Guardian - Business

With respect I should like to correct both.

The Guardian - Opinion

I should like to have known what it was like".

The Guardian - Arts

"I have a passage I should like to read".

The New Yorker

I should like, Fortunatus, to live in a city where a.

The New Yorker

"I should like," Eliot wrote, "to get something of that into verse before I die".

The New York Times - Arts

"I should like to see that," one of his companions replies.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I should like" in formal writing or when aiming for a polite and slightly old-fashioned tone. For more contemporary and informal contexts, consider "I would like" or "I'd like".

Common error

Avoid using "I should like" in very casual conversations or informal writing, as it can sound overly formal or even stilted. Choose more relaxed alternatives like "I want" or "I feel like" for those situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I should like" primarily functions as a polite and formal way to express a desire or preference. It is a modal construction where 'should' modifies 'like', indicating a conditional or softened statement, as demonstrated in the examples provided by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Academia

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "I should like" is a grammatically correct and usable expression to denote a desire or preference. Ludwig AI confirms its validity, emphasizing its typical use in formal or polite scenarios. While alternatives like "I would like" are more prevalent in contemporary English, understanding the appropriate context for "I should like" helps maintain a refined and respectful communication style. Predominantly found in news, science and Wikipedia, it adds a touch of formality suitable for specific professional or academic environments.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I would like

Uses "would" instead of "should", making it more common in contemporary English.

I'd like

A contraction of "I would like", offering a slightly less formal tone.

I wish to

A more formal way of expressing a desire, often used in official contexts.

I desire to

Emphasizes a strong feeling of wanting something, more emphatic and literary.

I want to

A direct and simple way to express a desire, less formal than "I should like".

I feel like

Expresses a desire or inclination, less direct than "I should like".

It would be nice if I could

Expresses a hopeful desire, less assertive than "I should like".

I have a yearning for

Conveys a deep longing, adding an emotional intensity not present in "I should like".

My preference is to

Highlights personal preference, shifting the focus slightly from desire to choice.

I am inclined to

Suggests a leaning towards something, indicating a tentative desire.

FAQs

What's the difference between "I should like" and "I would like"?

"I should like" is generally considered more formal and slightly archaic compared to "I would like", which is more common in modern English. The latter is suitable for most situations, while the former is best reserved for formal or historical contexts.

When is it appropriate to use "I should like"?

Use "I should like" when aiming for a formal, polite, or slightly old-fashioned tone. It's suitable for formal letters, speeches, or when interacting with individuals in a setting where formality is expected.

What can I say instead of "I should like" if I want to sound less formal?

For less formal situations, consider using alternatives such as "I want to", "I'd like", or "I feel like", depending on the specific context and desired level of casualness.

Is "I should like" grammatically correct?

Yes, "I should like" is grammatically correct. However, it is less common in modern English compared to "I would like". Both express a desire or preference, but "I should like" carries a stronger sense of formality.