The quick answer

Use like for a general preference that is always true, such as coffee or football. Use would like (often 'd like) for a specific wish or a polite request right now, such as ordering food or offering something.

The rule

Both like and would like talk about things we want, but they answer different questions. Like answers "What is true in general?" I like tea means tea is one of my regular preferences. Would like answers "What do you want right now?" I would like a tea means I am asking for a tea at this moment, usually politely.

Would like is also the normal way to make a polite offer or invitation: Would you like to sit down?

Form

Examples

• I like coffee. I drink it every morning.
• I would like a coffee, please.
• She likes chocolate cake.
• She would like a piece of cake now.
• Would you like some help with your bags?
• We would like to book a table for two.

Common mistakes

• ❌ I would like coffee every day. → ✅ I like coffee every day. A daily habit uses like, not would like.
• ❌ I would like go home. → ✅ I would like to go home. Add to before the verb.
• ❌ You would like a coffee? → ✅ Would you like a coffee? Put would first in a question.
• ❌ She would likes tea. → ✅ She would like tea. Would like never changes for he, she or it.