we would like

USAGE SUMMARY

"We would like" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to express desire, wishes, or preference. For example: "We would like to attend the sunset jazz concert next month."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We would like certainty.

The New York Times

"We would like your cooperation".

The New York Times - Tech

Well, we would like to.

The New York Times - Arts

We would like that!

Cornell University

We would like to see that too".

Independent

We would like to be doing more.

The New York Times

We would like to hear your thoughts.

The New York Times

"We would like to keep at it".

The New York Times - Sports

"We would like to share our experiences".

The New York Times

"We would like a broad national consensus.

The New York Times

"We would like things to change.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "we would like", consider the level of formality required by the context. It's a versatile phrase suitable for many situations, but alternatives might be more appropriate in very formal or informal settings.

Common error

Avoid repetitive use of "we would like" in formal documents. Vary your language with synonyms like "we propose", "we recommend", or "it is our intention" to maintain reader engagement and demonstrate a sophisticated writing style.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we would like" primarily functions as a polite expression of desire or request. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a common way to introduce what the speaker or writer wants or prefers. This phrase often softens a demand, making it more courteous.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Science

35%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "we would like" is a versatile and grammatically sound phrase used to politely express desires, intentions, or requests. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and wide applicability. It appears frequently across diverse contexts, especially in news, scientific, and academic writing. While it's suitable for many situations, writers should be mindful of overusing it, especially in formal contexts, and consider varying their language with synonyms to enhance clarity and sophistication. Remember that alternatives, such as "we would prefer" or "we wish" can provide subtle shifts in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we would prefer

Emphasizes preference over other options.

we desire

A more formal and direct expression of wanting something.

we wish

A slightly more polite or formal way of expressing a desire.

we hope to

Expresses a desire with an element of anticipation or expectation.

we are eager to

Highlights enthusiasm and anticipation.

we are aiming to

Indicates an intention or goal.

we are looking to

Suggests a proactive search for something desired.

it is our intention to

A formal declaration of purpose or plan.

our goal is to

Focuses on the objective to be achieved.

we are interested in

Expresses curiosity or a willingness to explore something.

FAQs

How can I use "we would like" in a sentence?

"We would like" is used to express a desire or polite request. For example, "We would like more information about the project" or "We would like to thank our sponsors".

What are some alternatives to "we would like"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "we would prefer", "we wish", or "we desire" to convey a similar meaning.

Is "we'd like" the same as "we would like"?

Yes, "we'd like" is a contraction of "we would like" and carries the same meaning. The choice between the two often depends on the desired level of formality.

When is it better to use a more formal alternative to "we would like"?

In highly formal writing, such as legal documents or grant proposals, using phrases like "it is our intention to" or "our goal is to" may be more appropriate.