i better like

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "i better like" is not correct in standard written English.
It seems to be an informal or incorrect way of expressing a preference or liking for something. Example: "I better like the new restaurant we are trying tonight."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

I better like it!

The New York Times - Arts

I better like my chances of recognizing that having kids, or sending them to college, losing a job or getting a new one, is a transition that we must manage.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

I'd better like to fly.

The New York Times

If I'm going to be doing something like that, I better look like T. O. times three.

The New York Times - Sports

I better look like something crazy.

The New York Times - Sports

I think I look better like this".

The New York Times

I'd like better schools for our children.

The New Yorker

I would like better external typing options.

Forbes

"I like it better like this".

The New York Times - Sports

"I like it better now.

The New York Times - Travel

"I like casting better".

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When expressing expectation or necessity regarding your liking of something, consider using grammatically standard alternatives such as "i hope i like it" or "i need to like it" for clearer communication.

Common error

Be cautious when using the phrase "i better like" in formal writing. While it might be acceptable in informal conversation, it's generally advisable to opt for grammatically correct alternatives in formal writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "i better like" functions as an expression of expectation or obligation towards a positive feeling about something. However, as noted by Ludwig, this construction is not grammatically correct in standard English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "i better like" is a non-standard grammatical construction used to express an expectation or obligation to enjoy something. While it appears in some informal contexts, Ludwig's analysis indicates that it is grammatically incorrect in standard English. For more formal communication, it's advisable to use alternatives such as "i hope i like it" or "i should like it". The phrase appears most frequently in news and media sources, suggesting an informal or conversational tone. When writing professionally, consider the context and audience before using such a phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

i'd better like it

Adds a contraction, making it slightly more conversational.

i should like it

Replaces "better" with "should", indicating a sense of expectation or mild obligation.

i hope i like it

Shifts the focus to hoping for a positive experience.

i really want to like it

Emphasizes the desire to have a favorable opinion.

i need to like it

Highlights the necessity or importance of a positive feeling.

it's important that i like it

Formalizes the expression, emphasizing the importance of liking something.

i am expecting to like it

Expresses anticipation and expectation of a positive experience.

i am going to have to like it

Indicates a forced or required positive attitude.

i'm obliged to like it

Suggests a duty or obligation to have a favorable opinion.

it is imperative that i like it

Elevates the necessity to an imperative level.

FAQs

Is "i better like" grammatically correct?

No, "i better like" is not considered grammatically correct in standard English. It's better to use phrases like "i hope I like it" or "I should like it".

What can I say instead of "i better like"?

You can use alternatives like "i hope i like it", "i need to like it", or "i should like it" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "i better like" or "i had better like"?

"I had better like" is the grammatically correct form. "I better like" omits the auxiliary verb "had" and is considered non-standard.

When is it acceptable to use "i better like"?

While grammatically incorrect, "i better like" might be acceptable in very informal conversations or dialectal speech where grammatical rules are often relaxed.