i should like

USAGE SUMMARY

"I should like" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is commonly used when expressing a polite desire to do something, such as "I should like to thank you for your support".

✓ 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 speech when aiming for a polite and slightly old-fashioned tone. It's particularly effective when making requests or expressing preferences.

Common error

Avoid using "i should like" excessively in casual conversations or informal writing where it may sound overly stilted or unnatural. Opt for "i'd like" or "i want" for a more relaxed tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "i should like" functions as a polite expression of desire or preference. It is typically used to introduce a request or express a wish in a formal or somewhat old-fashioned manner. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is correct and usable in English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

31%

News & Media

27%

Wiki

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

13%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "i should like" is a grammatically correct and usable expression in English, typically used to politely convey a desire or preference. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. While it may sound somewhat formal or old-fashioned in contemporary contexts, it is appropriate for professional, academic, or scientific writing. Consider that "i would like" is a more common alternative. It's best to avoid excessive use in casual conversation where a more relaxed tone may be more appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

i would like

Replaces 'should' with 'would', maintaining a polite and formal tone, and is generally more common in contemporary usage.

i'd like

A contracted form of "I would like", offering a slightly more informal but still polite alternative.

i wish to

Emphasizes desire or intention, providing a slightly more formal tone.

i desire to

A more emphatic and somewhat archaic way to express a strong wish.

it would please me to

A very formal and polite way to express desire, often used in ceremonial contexts.

i would be grateful to

Shifts the focus to gratitude for the opportunity to do something, adding a layer of appreciation.

i am inclined to

Suggests a leaning or preference towards a particular action or choice.

i am willing to

Expresses readiness or willingness to undertake an action.

i am eager to

Expresses enthusiasm and keenness to do something.

it is my intention to

Highlights a planned or purposed action, making the statement more declarative.

FAQs

What is the difference between "i should like" and "i would like"?

"I should like" is generally considered more formal and somewhat old-fashioned compared to "i would like", which is more common in contemporary usage. Both express a polite desire, but "i would like" is more versatile.

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

Use "i should like" in formal settings, such as academic papers, business correspondence, or when aiming for a polite and slightly archaic tone. It's less suitable for casual conversation.

What are some alternatives to "i should like" in informal contexts?

In informal contexts, you can use alternatives such as "i want", "i'd like", or "i feel like" to express your desire more casually.

How can I use "i should like" in a sentence?

You can use "i should like" to politely express a desire or preference, such as "I should like to thank you for your assistance" or "I should like to request additional information".