liking

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "liking" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a positive feeling or preference towards something or someone. Example: "I have been enjoying my new hobby, and my liking for painting has grown significantly."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Lifestyle

Opinion

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Jake Healey, a student at the University of West England, says: "Shyness depends on the situation – meeting new people, fear of them not liking me, wanting to make a good first impression".

The Guardian

Izzy is not alone in liking toys such as cars and fire engines, as well as dolls, from a very young age.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Men with poor health, low incomes, few qualifications and living in rented housing are hit hardest by loneliness, which Independent Age defines as the feeling of not liking isolation.

The Guardian

I can remember watching a production of Hamlet - which I admit to quite liking - in which the gravedigger scene kicked off with a dance to Russ Abbott's Atmosphere.

The Guardian - Books

Sir John Major said: "It was impossible to know Garret FitzGerald without liking him, and impossible to like him without admiring him.

The Guardian

"I'm not liking the signal that it gives out.

The Guardian

Then in 1965, not liking Swindon, he and his wife emigrated to Australia, where he played for five more years, far below his previous level.

The Guardian - Sport

They were speedily followed by a single bird, (apparently a female) which, alone and unaided built a nest in another tree: but when it was nearly completed, apparently not liking her situation, she demolished it, and erected another immediately under the first comers.

The Guardian

When reporters asked Paul on Saturday morning whether he was concerned about the provisions of the Patriot Act expiring at the end of the month, the Kentucky Republican seemed unworried "We were liking the constitution for about 200 years and I think we could rely on the constitution".

The Guardian

Liking us on Facebook, at facebook.com/theguardianAustralia. Following us on Instagram, at guardianaustralia, for behind-the-scenes photos.

The Guardian

They are not liking it a lot But slowly they are coming round to it.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Ensure the context supports the use of the present participle form; consider whether "like" or a different verb form would be more appropriate.

Common error

Avoid overusing "liking" in formal or academic writing. Opt for more sophisticated synonyms like "preference", "inclination", or "affinity" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "liking" is as a gerund or present participle, often expressing a state of preference or enjoyment. Ludwig AI's examples show it used to describe a current or ongoing feeling, consistent with its grammatical role.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Lifestyle

8%

Opinion

8%

Less common in

Sport

4%

Books

4%

Tech

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "liking" is a versatile term expressing a positive sentiment or preference. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and frequently used, especially in news and media contexts. While suitable for general use, consider stronger or more specific alternatives like "enjoying" or "appreciating" for nuanced expressions or formal settings. Avoiding overuse in formal contexts and ensuring proper usage as a gerund or present participle are key to effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

enjoying

Focuses on the pleasure derived from something, emphasizing the positive experience.

being fond of

Suggests a gentle affection or warm regard, often used for people or activities.

taking pleasure in

Highlights the enjoyment and satisfaction gained from an activity or object.

being keen on

Expresses enthusiasm and a strong interest in something, suggesting a high degree of "liking".

having an affinity for

Indicates a natural inclination or attraction towards something, implying a deeper connection than simple "liking".

being partial to

Suggests a specific fondness or inclination towards something, often used for food or drink.

appreciating

Implies a recognition of value or quality, suggesting a more thoughtful and reasoned "liking".

having a preference for

Directly states a choice or inclination, emphasizing the act of preferring one thing to another.

favoring

Indicates a preference or choosing one thing over others, implying a deliberate selection.

relishing

Implies a great enjoyment and savoring of something, often used for experiences or food.

FAQs

How can I use "liking" in a sentence?

Use "liking" as a gerund or present participle to describe a state of preference or enjoyment, such as, "I am "liking this new restaurant"" or "She has a "liking for classical music"".

What are some alternatives to using the word "liking"?

You can use alternatives like "enjoying", "appreciating", or "being fond of" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "I am liking it"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct, although some style guides might suggest using "I like it" in certain contexts for simplicity or emphasis. "I am liking it" emphasizes the ongoing or developing nature of your "preference".

What's the difference between "liking" and "loving"?

"Liking" expresses a general sense of enjoyment or "preference", while "loving" indicates a much stronger, deeper emotional connection or affection. You might like a song, but you love your family.