Lesson

Would you like...? I'd like

Polite offers

≈ 15 min 8 block(s)

Text

Would you like...? I'd like

This lesson explains how to make polite offers, invitations and requests using 'Would you like...' and how to express desires politely with 'I'd like' (I would like).

  • 'Would you like...?' is used to offer or invite someone politely.
  • 'I'd like...' is used to state what you want politely.
  • Use 'Would you like to + verb' for offers/invitations and 'I'd like to + verb' to express your intention.

Table

Structures and Examples

Form Use Example
Would you like + noun? Offer or invitation (noun) Would you like coffee?
Would you like to + verb? Offer or invitation (action) Would you like to join the meeting?
I'd like + noun Polite statement of desire (noun) I'd like a copy of the report.
I'd like to + verb Polite intention or request (action) I'd like to schedule a call.
Short answers Accepting or declining politely Yes, please. / No, thank you.
Alternative polite responses Offering choices or preferences Would you like tea or coffee?

Tip

Key rule: Polite offers and desires

Use the correct structure depending on whether you offer something or say what you want:

  • 'Would you like + noun?' to offer something (Would you like a seat?).
  • 'Would you like to + verb?' to invite someone to do something (Would you like to join?).
  • 'I'd like + noun' or 'I'd like to + verb' to state your own wants politely (I'd like a copy / I'd like to join).

Short responses: Accept with 'Yes, please.' Decline with 'No, thank you.'

Example

Examples in context

Would you like some coffee?

I'd like a copy of the contract, please.

Would you like to attend the training next week?

I'd like to speak with the project manager.

Tip

Common mistakes

Watch out for these frequent errors learners make with 'Would you like' and 'I'd like':

  • Confusing 'I'd like' (I would like) with simple present 'I like' — they are different in meaning.
  • Omitting 'to' when using a verb: say 'I'd like to meet', not 'I'd like meet'.
  • Using 'Would you like' with the wrong word order: the correct order is 'Would you like...?'
  • Answering offers incorrectly with incomplete phrases like 'I'd' or 'Yes, I'd' — use 'Yes, please.' or 'I'd like one, please.'

Check word order and include 'to' when you need an infinitive verb.

Quiz

Choose the correct response to an offer: 'Would you like some water?'

Hint: Think of a short, polite acceptance.

Quiz

Complete: _____ a cup of tea?

Hint: Think about how to make a polite offer.

Quiz

Which sentence politely expresses your wish to arrange a call?

Hint: Focus on polite phrasing to express your intention.

Key Points

Expression

Would you like

phrase CEFR B1 //wʊd juː laɪk//

A polite phrase used to offer or invite someone to have or do something.

Would you like a seat?

Expression

I'd like

phrase CEFR B1 //aɪd laɪk//

A polite way to state a desire (contraction of I would like).

I'd like a copy of the invoice.

GrammarPoint

Would you like to + verb

grammar_point CEFR B1 //wʊd juː laɪk tuː + vɜːb//

Structure used to offer or invite someone to perform an action.

Would you like to join the video call?

GrammarPoint

I'd like to + verb

grammar_point CEFR B1 //aɪd laɪk tuː + vɜːb//

Structure used to express politely that you want to do something.

I'd like to discuss the budget tomorrow.

Vocabulary

Yes, please

expression CEFR A2 //jɛs pliːz//

A polite short answer to accept an offer.

Would you like some water? — Yes, please.

Vocabulary

No, thank you

expression CEFR A2 //nəʊ θæŋk juː//

A polite way to decline an offer.

Would you like dessert? — No, thank you.