is not to my liking

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'is not to my liking' is correct, and can be used in written English.
You can use it to show that something has a displeasing quality to you. For example, "The temperature of this room is not to my liking."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

"It is not to my liking, per se," he said.

The New Yorker

Prayer for Strength Guide me, O thou great Redeemer, Pilgrim through this barren land, For this bill or nominee or compromise budget is not to my liking, And I see no personal political advantage in its advancement.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

"We have so little privacy that seeing 'us' in the public arena isn't to my liking," she explained.

Huffington Post

"We got around it, but it was not to my liking".

The New York Times

A bluetooth "Wedge Mouse" came in handy, as the touchpad on the keyboard was not to my liking – not least for the inability to turn off the tap-as-mouse-click functionality.

The Guardian - Tech

"Being of an age where I would be entitled to a bus pass (if I were in the UK that is rather than the USA where they do squat for seniors so no bus pass) I have no hesitation about creating a scene with all the young idiots around me if things are not to my liking.

The Guardian - Sport

"But in the event that he resigns and a new leader is elected, and it's not to my liking," he warns me, "I will leave the Labour party".

Vice

It wasn't to my liking, but then neither are jelly beans.

The New York Times

Oh and who's to blame when the AI's choices not only aren't to my liking but are much worse?

TechCrunch

It wasn't to my liking.

Huffington Post

"The post positions aren't to my liking, but there's nothing I can do about it," Baffert said.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is not to my liking" to express a subjective dislike or lack of preference in a polite and relatively formal manner. It's suitable for situations where a direct, blunt rejection might be inappropriate.

Common error

Avoid using "is not to my liking" in very informal or casual contexts. Opt for simpler, more direct alternatives like "I don't like it" or "I'm not a fan" in those situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is not to my liking" functions as a subjective expression of disapproval or a lack of preference. It indicates that something does not meet one's personal standards or tastes. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is not to my liking" is a grammatically sound and relatively formal way to express a lack of preference or dislike. As highlighted by Ludwig AI, it's suitable for situations where a direct rejection might be too harsh. Predominantly found in News & Media, this phrase offers a nuanced way to communicate subjective disapproval. Alternatives such as ""doesn't appeal to me"" or ""is not to my taste"" offer similar expressions with subtle differences in emphasis. While correct, remember to consider the context and audience to ensure the most appropriate level of formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is not to my taste

Uses "taste" as a synonym for liking, indicating a preference.

I find it displeasing

Emphasizes the unpleasantness of something.

doesn't appeal to me

Focuses on the lack of appeal rather than direct dislike.

it's not my cup of tea

An idiomatic expression indicating something is not to one's preference.

it's not what I prefer

Focuses on a preference for something else.

does not sit well with me

Implies a sense of unease or discomfort with something.

I'm not keen on it

Expresses a lack of enthusiasm or interest.

I'm not fond of it

Directly states a lack of fondness or affection.

I don't care for it

A more casual way to express a lack of liking.

it doesn't suit me

Highlights a lack of suitability or compatibility.

FAQs

What does "is not to my liking" mean?

The phrase "is not to my liking" means that something is not appealing or preferable to you. It's a polite way of expressing a dislike or lack of enthusiasm for something.

What can I say instead of "is not to my liking"?

You can use alternatives like "doesn't appeal to me", "is not to my taste", or "I don't care for it" depending on the context and level of formality.

Is "is not to my liking" formal or informal?

"Is not to my liking" leans towards the formal side. In more casual settings, phrases like "I don't like it" or "I'm not a fan of it" might be more appropriate.

How can I use "is not to my liking" in a sentence?

You can use "is not to my liking" to express a dislike for something. For example, "The decor of the restaurant is not to my liking" or "This flavor of ice cream is not to my liking".