likes

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "likes" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express preferences or enjoyment of something, often in informal contexts. Example: "She likes to read mystery novels in her free time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Inside the cocoon of an event where the main sponsors don't accept that human caused climate change is even real, the news from Beijing seemed to further outline how rapidly the world could change – whether the coal industry likes it or not.

The Guardian

But the problem for the likes of Bably and Madbouly is that there are also those who doubt this particular dream will ever reach reality.

The Guardian

At Westminster the loyalists look at the likes of Nadine Dorries, "Mad Nad" to her detractors, and shake their heads in despair.

The Guardian

To them, she well-known and popular, a leader who likes to debate with them.

The Guardian - Opinion

That is very English, I think.' She likes the English and feels comfortable with them, unlike in Los Angeles, where she does not really feel a part of things.

The Guardian - Film

We've wondered whether Sam Pepper, a YouTube star who likes to be filmed grabbing women's bodies, is simply a misunderstood joker.

The Guardian - Opinion

Society now compels us to hold tobacco companies in utter contempt, which is fair enough, but I have to be honest and say I could never hate the Benson and Hedges brand, not when they footed the bill for appearances of the likes of Roger Harper, Abdul Qadir, Graeme LaBrooy and Mohammad Wasim.

The Guardian - Sport

No one I speak to likes the word "activist", as Maeve Cohen, from the Post-Crash Economics Society explains to me on the phone: "If you have people who identify as 'activists', then everybody else is a non-activist, who can leave the activities to the activists.

The Guardian

In this week's pod, I caught up with Hot Chip's Joe Goddard to discuss his love of dance music and the 2-Step revival being given new life by the likes of Joy Orbison and Brackles.

The Guardian - Music

When my friends try to intellectually justify the likes of the humourless recent Batman films, I think of Charlie Brooker's imaginary magazine for simpletons, Shit Film Liker (cover: "Con Air 2: at last!").

The Guardian - Film

"How short is the short-short?" Alexander, who came to fame as a runway coach and judge on the television show America's Next Top Model and coached the likes of supermodel Naomi Campbell, is known for showing off his own incredible set of legs.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing, ensure that the verb "likes" agrees with the subject in number (singular or plural). For example, "He likes" but "They like."

Common error

Avoid using "like" when the subject is singular. Always use "likes" for singular subjects (e.g., "He likes", not "He like").

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "likes" is as a third-person singular present tense verb, indicating an action or state of preference. Ludwig's examples show its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the word "likes" functions primarily as the third-person singular present tense of the verb "like", expressing preference or enjoyment. Ludwig AI confirms it as grammatically correct and highly usable. Its usage is very common, particularly in News & Media. When using "likes", remember to maintain subject-verb agreement and to consider alternatives like "enjoys" or "appreciates" for a more formal tone. Avoid the common error of using "like" with a singular subject. The provided examples from Ludwig illustrate the versatility of "likes" in various contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

enjoys

Formal alternative indicating pleasure or satisfaction.

appreciates

Suggests a more thoughtful or sophisticated enjoyment.

is fond of

Indicates affection or a gentle preference.

takes pleasure in

A more emphatic way of expressing enjoyment.

is keen on

British English alternative emphasizing enthusiasm.

has a preference for

Highlights a specific choice or inclination.

is partial to

Suggests a particular liking, often for something specific.

finds appealing

Emphasizes the attractiveness or desirability of something.

is drawn to

Suggests an instinctive attraction or interest.

revels in

Implies a joyous and exuberant enjoyment.

FAQs

How to use "likes" in a sentence?

"Likes" is typically used as the third-person singular present tense form of the verb "like". For example, "She likes to read." It can also refer to preferences or things someone enjoys.

What can I say instead of "likes" to express preferences?

You can use alternatives such as "enjoys", "appreciates", or "is fond of" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "he like" or "he likes"?

"He likes" is correct. The third-person singular present tense form requires the -s ending.

What's the difference between "like" and "likes"?

"Like" is used for plural subjects (e.g., "They like"), while "likes" is used for singular subjects (e.g., "He likes").