likes to read

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "likes to read" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe someone's preference or enjoyment of reading books, articles, or other written material. Example: "She often spends her weekends at the library because she likes to read."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Grainger likes to read.

Independent

"Who likes to read?" I asked.

The New York Times

He says he likes to read.

The Guardian - Music

He likes to read newspapers.

The New Yorker

(4) She likes to read.

The New Yorker

She likes to read and write.

The New York Times

"And everybody likes to read gossip.

The New York Times

She likes to read, she said.

The New York Times

Philip likes to read Anne Sexton's poetry.

The New York Times - Books

"What do you think?" "She likes to read.

The New Yorker

In between takes, he likes to read books.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone's reading habits, consider specifying the types of books or materials they enjoy to provide a more detailed picture. For instance, instead of saying "He likes to read", you could say "He likes to read historical fiction and biographies."

Common error

While "likes to read" is perfectly acceptable, avoid using it as a substitute for deeper engagement with the subject matter. Instead of just stating that someone "likes to read", elaborate on their specific reading interests or how reading impacts their life.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "likes to read" primarily functions as a verb phrase indicating a preference or enjoyment of the act of reading. According to Ludwig AI, this is a common phrase used to describe someone's interests, as shown in multiple examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Academia

19%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Science

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "likes to read" is a grammatically sound and very commonly used verb phrase indicating a preference for reading. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is accurate and usable. It is most frequently found in news and media contexts, with a neutral register suitable for both formal and informal communication. When aiming for greater detail, consider specifying the genre or types of reading materials that are enjoyed. Alternative phrases such as "enjoys reading" and "is fond of reading" can also be used.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

enjoys reading

Focuses on the enjoyment derived from reading.

finds pleasure in reading

Highlights the satisfaction gained through reading.

is fond of reading

Emphasizes a sense of affection for reading.

has a passion for reading

Implies a strong enthusiasm and dedication to reading.

is an avid reader

Indicates a great interest and dedication to reading.

is a book lover

Suggests a strong affinity and love for books.

spends time reading

Focuses on time spent on reading.

is interested in reading

Shows general interest in reading.

is keen on reading

Highlights enthusiasm for reading.

devours books

Implies reading quickly and enthusiastically.

FAQs

How can I replace the phrase "likes to read" in my writing?

You can use alternatives like "enjoys reading", "is fond of reading", or "has a passion for reading" depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "likes to read"?

Yes, the phrase "likes to read" is grammatically correct. The verb "likes" agrees with a singular subject, and "to read" functions as an infinitive, indicating the activity that the subject enjoys.

What is the difference between "likes reading" and "likes to read"?

Both "likes reading" and "likes to read" are grammatically correct and generally interchangeable. "Likes reading" uses a gerund, while "likes to read" uses an infinitive. There's no significant difference in meaning.

In what contexts is it most appropriate to use the phrase "likes to read"?

The phrase "likes to read" is suitable for general descriptions of someone's hobbies or interests. It is appropriate in both formal and informal contexts, depending on the overall tone of your writing.