Grammar - How tu use: Can, Like and Would Like

Uses of CAN, LIKE, and WOULD LIKE

Hello everyone! 👋 Today, we’re going to learn about three very important words in English: CAN, LIKE, and WOULD LIKE. These words help us talk about abilities, preferences, and polite requests. Let’s see how and when to use each one!

1. CAN

CAN is a modal verb that shows:

• Ability: What someone can do.

• Permission: What someone is allowed to do.

• Possibility: What can happen.

How to use CAN:

Function	Example (Affirmative)	Example (Negative)	Example (Question)
Ability	I can swim.	I can’t (cannot) swim.	Can you swim?
Permission	You can use my phone.	You can’t use my phone.	Can I use your phone?
Possibility	It can get very hot here.	It can’t be true.	Can it rain tomorrow?

Notes:

• In negative form, CAN becomes can’t or cannot.

• Use CAN + base verb (without "to").

2. LIKE

LIKE is a verb that expresses:

• Enjoyment or preference.

• Something that makes you happy or you want.

How to use LIKE:

Function	Example (Affirmative)	Example (Negative)	Example (Question)
Enjoyment/Preference	I like chocolate.	I don’t like spiders.	Do you like music?

Notes:

• Use LIKE + verb in -ing form when talking about actions:

  • I like reading.

  • She likes playing soccer.

• In negative, use don’t like (I don’t like, you don’t like, etc.).

• In questions, use Do/Does + subject + like...?

3. WOULD LIKE

WOULD LIKE is a polite way to express:

• Desires or wishes.

• Requests or offers.

How to use WOULD LIKE:

Function	Example (Affirmative)	Example (Negative)	Example (Question)
Polite desires	I would like a cup of coffee.	I wouldn’t like to go there.	Would you like some tea?
Requests/offers	I would like to order now.		Would you like help?

Notes:

• Would like is more polite than just "want."

• Often shortened to ’d like in speaking or writing.

• Use WOULD LIKE + noun or WOULD LIKE TO + verb.

Quick Comparison

Use	CAN	LIKE	WOULD LIKE
Talking about ability	I can speak English.
Talking about preferences		I like pizza.
Making polite requests			I would like a glass of water.

Useful Sentences with CAN, LIKE, and WOULD LIKE

1. CAN

Form	Sentence
Affirmative	I can speak English.
	She can play the guitar.
	We can visit the museum tomorrow.
Negative	I can’t swim.
	He can’t come to the party.
	They can’t finish the work today.
Interrogative	Can you help me?
	Can she drive a car?
	Can we go now?

2. LIKE

Form	Sentence
Affirmative	I like chocolate.
	She likes reading books.
	They like playing football.
Negative	I don’t like spiders.
	He doesn’t like cold weather.
	We don’t like loud music.
Interrogative	Do you like pizza?
	Does she like dancing?
	Do they like traveling?

3. WOULD LIKE

Form	Sentence
Affirmative	I would like a cup of coffee.
	She would like to visit Paris.
	We would like some help, please.
Negative	I wouldn’t like to wait too long.
	He wouldn’t like to eat spicy food.
	They wouldn’t like to leave early.
Interrogative	Would you like some tea?
	Would she like to join us?
	Would they like to come to the party?

See you in our next blog!

Bye Bye