whatever they like

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "whatever they like" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express that someone has the freedom to choose or do anything they desire. Example: "You can choose whatever they like for dinner; I'm not picky."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"Whatever they like".

The New York Times

People should do whatever they like.

The Guardian - Books

"Now, they ask for whatever they like".

The New York Times

They do whatever they like".

The Guardian

Which allows people to believe whatever they like".

The New York Times

We will bring them coffee, tea, dessert, whatever they like.

The New Yorker

Children can go and make whatever they like".

The Guardian - Arts

The answers are: sort of and whatever they like.

The Guardian

Our whole lives they can just do whatever they like.

The Guardian

Ultimately, people will call this building whatever they like.

The New York Times

"They throw whatever they like into the food mixer," Marian continued.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "whatever they like", ensure the context clearly defines who "they" refers to, avoiding ambiguity. For example: "The children can choose whatever they like from the menu."

Common error

While "whatever they like" is widely understood, avoid using it excessively in formal writing. Opt for more precise alternatives like "anything they prefer" or "anything that meets their specifications" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "whatever they like" functions as a determiner phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to indicate unrestricted choice. As Ludwig AI points out, it is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

30%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "whatever they like" is a grammatically correct and versatile expression used to indicate unrestricted choice or preference. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s widely accepted in general English. While its informal tone suits everyday conversation and news articles, it might require more formal alternatives in academic or professional writing. Common usage includes granting permission, expressing indifference, or highlighting freedom of choice. When writing, remember that while "whatever they like" is widely understood, considering more formal alternatives will improve the accuracy and clarity of your written communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

anything they want

Replaces "whatever" with "anything", focusing on the object of desire, and changes "like" to "want" emphasizing desire.

whatever they prefer

Substitutes "like" with "prefer", suggesting a conscious choice based on taste or inclination.

anything to their liking

Uses "to their liking" to convey satisfaction, shifting the focus from desire to acceptance.

anything that pleases them

Replaces the concise phrase with a more elaborate structure, highlighting the act of pleasing as the central concept.

whatever is to their taste

Emphasizes individual preference and culinary alignment with the object of their choice.

whatever suits their fancy

Introduces a more whimsical tone, using "suits their fancy" to indicate a fleeting or personal desire.

anything that takes their fancy

Uses British English idiom to describe something that attracts their interest or liking.

whatever they are inclined to

Shifts focus to tendency or predisposition, employing a more formal register.

whatever their heart desires

Emphasizes a deeper, more emotional level of longing or wish fulfillment.

anything they feel inclined to

Adds the element of feeling or inner motivation to the choice being made.

FAQs

How can I use "whatever they like" in a sentence?

You can use "whatever they like" to indicate that someone has complete freedom of choice or preference. For example: "Guests can order "whatever they like" from the bar" or "The students are free to study "whatever they like"."

What can I say instead of "whatever they like"?

Alternatives to "whatever they like" include phrases like "anything they want", "whatever they prefer", or "anything that pleases them". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "whatever they like" formal or informal?

"Whatever they like" is generally considered informal to neutral. In very formal contexts, it might be better to use a more precise or elaborate phrase, such as "anything that meets their specifications".

Is it correct to use "whatever they like" in academic writing?

While grammatically correct, "whatever they like" might be too casual for strict academic writing. Consider alternatives like "whatever they prefer" or "any option that aligns with their research interests" to maintain a more formal tone.