likes to be

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "likes to be" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express someone's preference or enjoyment of a particular state or activity. Example: "She likes to be in nature, surrounded by trees and wildlife."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

"Everybody likes to be liked.

Independent

He likes to be here.

Independent

"He likes to be alone.

The New Yorker

No one likes to be a loser.

The New Yorker

"He likes to be called Mr. Straub".

The New Yorker

"Nobody likes to be criticized," he said.

The New York Times - Sports

"He likes to be outrageous and irreverent".

Independent

No one likes to be second-guessed.

The New Yorker

And he likes to be loved.

The Economist

"Nobody likes to be proved wrong".

The New York Times

"He likes to be a team player".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone's preferences, use "likes to be" to emphasize a general tendency or enjoyment of a state, rather than a specific action. For example, "He likes to be alone" is more about his general preference than a specific instance of being alone.

Common error

Avoid using "likes to be" when describing specific actions. Instead of saying "He likes to be eating ice cream," which is grammatically awkward, say "He likes eating ice cream" or "He enjoys eating ice cream".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "likes to be" functions as a verb phrase that expresses a preference or inclination toward a particular state or condition. Ludwig AI confirms this usage, providing numerous examples where it describes someone's general preference, like "He likes to be quiet" or "Nobody likes to be hurt."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Wiki

14%

Science

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "likes to be" is a common and grammatically correct verb phrase used to express preferences for certain states or conditions. As Ludwig AI confirms, it appears frequently in various contexts, particularly in news and media. While versatile, it's crucial to avoid using it with action verbs; instead, opt for constructions like "likes to swim" or "enjoys swimming". Related phrases such as "enjoys being" and "prefers to be" offer similar meanings, adding nuance to your writing. Understanding these subtleties ensures precise and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

enjoys being

This alternative emphasizes pleasure and satisfaction in a state or activity.

prefers to be

This suggests a choice or inclination towards a particular state.

appreciates being

This highlights the value or gratitude associated with a certain state.

is fond of being

This indicates an affection or liking for a particular state.

takes pleasure in being

This emphasizes the enjoyment derived from a certain state.

is happy to be

Expresses contentment or satisfaction with the current state.

finds joy in being

Highlights the happiness and delight experienced in a specific situation.

is inclined to be

Indicates a tendency or preference towards a particular behavior or state.

is comfortable being

Suggests a sense of ease and relaxation in a certain situation.

revels in being

Expresses great delight and enjoyment in a specific state or activity.

FAQs

How can I use "likes to be" in a sentence?

Use "likes to be" to describe someone's preference for a certain state or condition. For instance, "She "likes to be independent"" or "He "likes to be challenged"".

What are some alternatives to "likes to be"?

Alternatives include "enjoys being", "prefers to be", or "is fond of being". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is there a difference between "likes to be" and "likes being"?

"Likes to be" often implies a preference for a general state or condition, while "likes being" tends to refer to a specific experience or ongoing activity. For example, "She likes to be alone" versus "She "likes being alone" on weekends".

When is it incorrect to use "likes to be"?

Avoid using "likes to be" with action verbs. Instead of "He likes to be swimming", use "He "likes to swim"" or "He enjoys swimming".