he likes that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "he likes that" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express someone's preference or enjoyment of something in a casual or conversational context. Example: "When it comes to dessert, he likes that chocolate cake the most."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"He likes that spot," McKay said of Mogilny with a laugh.

The New York Times - Sports

He likes that".

The New York Times - Sports

"He likes that power play".

The New York Times

He likes that idea.

The Guardian - Arts

He likes that money, he don't mind the smell.

The New York Times - Arts

He likes that Trump is not a politician.

The New Yorker

I have no idea why he likes that worthless, dim-witted, ne'er-do-well bum".

The New Yorker

He likes that deep Euro death-trance-dance-house; wordless machine music.

Independent

Mr. Romney needs to be their teacher, whether he likes that role or not.

The New York Times

(He likes that word, attributing its implications for him to his mother's family, which was active in Pennsylvania politics).

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

"And I think he likes that".

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "he likes that" to convey a straightforward and casual expression of approval or preference. It's suitable for informal contexts and everyday conversations.

Common error

Avoid using "he likes that" in formal or academic writing, as it can sound too informal. Opt for more sophisticated alternatives like "he approves of it" or "he appreciates that" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "he likes that" functions as a declarative statement expressing someone's approval, enjoyment, or preference for something. Ludwig AI indicates it is usable in written English. The subject he is followed by the verb likes and the object that specifies the item or situation being favored.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "he likes that" is a common and grammatically correct way to express someone's approval or preference, as confirmed by Ludwig. It is most frequently found in News & Media contexts and is suitable for neutral to informal settings. While versatile, it is best to avoid it in highly formal or academic writing. Alternatives such as "he enjoys that" or "he approves of that" can be used for more formal expression. Always ensure the level of formality aligns with the context of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

he enjoys that

Highlights the pleasure or satisfaction derived from something.

that pleases him

Highlights the positive emotional impact.

he approves of that

Emphasizes formal agreement or endorsement.

he appreciates that

Suggests gratitude or recognition of value.

he favors that

Implies a preference or bias toward something.

that appeals to him

Focuses on the attractiveness or desirability of something.

he finds that agreeable

Suggests acceptance and pleasantness.

he is keen on that

Indicates enthusiasm or strong interest.

that suits his taste

Highlights alignment with personal preferences.

that resonates with him

Implies a deeper connection or understanding.

FAQs

What's a more formal way to say "he likes that"?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases such as "he approves of that", "he appreciates that", or "he finds that agreeable". These alternatives offer a more sophisticated expression of approval or enjoyment.

Is it appropriate to use "he likes that" in academic writing?

While grammatically correct, "he likes that" may be too informal for academic writing. It's better suited for casual conversation or less formal contexts. In academic papers, opt for more formal language.

What are some nuances between "he likes that" and "he enjoys that"?

"He likes that" is a general expression of preference, while "he enjoys that" specifically highlights the pleasure or satisfaction derived from something. The latter implies a more active and positive emotional experience.

How can I use "he likes that" effectively in a sentence?

Use "he likes that" to simply state someone's preference or enjoyment of something. For example, "He likes that the coffee shop is open late" or "He likes that the new policy is flexible."