English Grammar

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Grammar Focus

Like and want are common verbs used to talk about preferences and desires. When we use like, we often follow it with either a noun (a thing) or a verb with -ing (called a gerund). For example:

• I like music.
• I like listening to music.

When we use want, we usually follow it with a noun or a verb with to + base form (called the infinitive). For example:

• She wants a car.
• She wants to drive a car.

Here are some examples:

• I like eating pizza.
• He wants to buy a new phone.
• They like chocolate.
• We want a vacation.

Using these structures correctly helps you talk clearly about what you enjoy and what you want to do.

Why This Grammar Matters for Listening and Speaking

Knowing how to use like and want with nouns and verbs helps you express your feelings and desires in everyday conversations. This grammar is useful when:

• Talking about hobbies or favorite things:
  “I like playing soccer.”
  “She likes coffee.”
• Sharing your wishes or plans:
  “I want to learn English.”
  “They want a new phone.”
• Responding to questions about preferences:
  “What do you like?” — “I like reading.”
  “What do you want?” — “I want some water.”
• Making polite requests or offers:
  “Do you want to join us?”
  “I want some help, please.”

Using this grammar correctly helps you clearly express what you like and want, so people understand your preferences and desires easily in everyday conversations. It also helps you follow what others say when they talk about their likes and wants, making your communication smoother and more natural with both native and non-native speakers.

Now, let’s practice your grammar skills with a game.

When you understand how to use “like” and “want” with nouns and infinitives (to + verb), you can express your feelings, needs, and choices more clearly. You’ll also understand other people better. These grammar patterns are common in everyday conversations—at school, at work, with friends, and in your community. Knowing how to say what you like and want helps you ask questions, make plans, and connect with others in natural ways.

Use the questions below to practice. Try to speak in full sentences and listen carefully to others.

Talk About What You Like:
What do you like doing in your free time?
➤ For example: “I like watching movies. I like cooking on the weekend.”

Describe Your Favorite Things:
What is something you really like (a food, a place, a hobby)?
➤ For example: “I like pizza. I like going to the beach.”

Talk About What You Want Today:
What do you want to do after class or after work today?
➤ For example: “I want to rest. I want to eat something sweet.”

Talk About a Friend’s Likes and Wants:
Choose one person you know. What does he or she like or want?
➤ For example: “She likes music. She wants to buy a new guitar.”

Share a Weekend Plan:
It’s Saturday! What do you want to do today?
➤ For example: “I want to go shopping. I want to see my friends.”

Compare Likes and Wants:
What do you like to do? What do you want to do that is different?
➤ For example: “I like reading, but today I want to go outside.”

Give a Suggestion:
Your friend is bored. What can you say using “Do you want to…”?
➤ For example: “Do you want to go for a walk? Do you want to watch a movie?”