he likes to

USAGE SUMMARY

"he likes to" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It is typically used to describe someone's preferences or habits. Example: "He likes to go for a run every morning before work."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He likes to nap.

The New Yorker

"He likes to celebrate.

The New York Times - Sports

He likes to win.

The New York Times

"He likes to pitch.

The New York Times - Sports

He likes to sing.

The New York Times

He likes to eat.

The New Yorker

He likes to play.

The New York Times - Sports

He likes to drink.

The New Yorker

He likes to talk.

The New Yorker

"He likes to dance.

The New York Times

Besides, he likes to fight.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "he likes to" to express preferences, habits, or inclinations. For example, "He likes to read before bed" clearly conveys a habitual activity.

Common error

Avoid using "he likes to" too frequently in close proximity, as it can make your writing sound repetitive. Instead, vary your language by using synonyms such as "enjoys", "is fond of", or "is keen on".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "he likes to" functions as a verb phrase expressing preference, enjoyment, or inclination towards a specific action or activity. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a common way to describe someone's habits. The provided examples from Ludwig showcase its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Formal & Business

23%

Science

20%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "he likes to" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase for expressing preferences and habits. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and common usage. While it's suitable for most contexts, more formal options may be preferred in academic or professional writing. Key to effective use is avoiding overuse and varying your language with synonyms like "he enjoys" or "he is inclined to". It's a versatile phrase found predominantly in News & Media, Formal & Business, and Scientific sources, making it a reliable choice for everyday communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

he enjoys

Replaces 'likes' with 'enjoys', offering a direct synonym with minimal change in meaning.

he is fond of

Substitutes "likes to" with "is fond of", indicating affection or appreciation.

he is inclined to

Indicates a tendency or predisposition, slightly more formal than "he likes to".

he is keen on

Emphasizes enthusiasm or eagerness, adding a degree of intensity.

he has a preference for

Highlights a definite choice or liking, more explicit than "he likes to".

he favors

Replaces "likes to" with the verb "favors", suggesting a stronger inclination.

he appreciates

Implies a recognition of value or quality, adding a layer of discernment.

he is partial to

Suggests a specific liking for something particular, indicating bias.

he delights in

Highlights a source of great pleasure, adding a sense of joy.

he gravitates towards

Indicates a natural movement or attraction, more passive than "he likes to".

FAQs

How can I rephrase "he likes to" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider alternatives such as "he enjoys", "he is inclined to", or "he has a preference for". These options, like "he enjoys", offer a similar meaning with a slightly elevated register.

What verbs typically follow "he likes to"?

The phrase "he likes to" is commonly followed by verbs indicating activities or states, such as "read", "play", or "relax". For example, "He likes to read" or "He likes to relax".

Is there a difference between "he likes to" and "he likes"?

Yes, "he likes to" is usually followed by a verb and indicates a general preference or habit, while "he likes" is followed by a noun and indicates a liking for something specific. For instance, "He likes to read books" versus "He likes books".

When is it appropriate to use "he likes to" in writing?

Use "he likes to" when describing someone's habits, preferences, or inclinations. It is suitable for both informal and neutral contexts but may be replaced with more formal alternatives like "he is inclined to" in formal writing.