English learners often get tripped up between “I will like to” and “I would like to.”
While they sound similar, their usage is completely different.
Using the wrong phrase can make your speech sound awkward or even grammatically incorrect.
In this guide, you’ll learn why “I would like to” is the correct form, how it compares to “want to”, and practical ways to use it in daily life, work, and formal situations.
Understanding the Grammar: Will vs. Would
English modal verbs like will and would can be confusing, especially for non-native speakers. They serve different purposes and convey subtle shifts in tone.
Will: Future Intentions and Certainty
Will expresses a strong intention or certainty about the future.
Examples:
- I will call you tomorrow.
- She will finish the report by Monday.
Using will in a sentence implies a definite action. It is direct and assertive, which can sometimes come across as too strong if used in polite requests.
Would: Politeness, Hypotheticals, and Conditional Statements
Would softens your language and makes statements more polite or hypothetical.
Examples:
- I would like to join the meeting.
- If I had more time, I would travel more.
Here, would makes your request or statement less direct and more courteous.
Quick Comparison Table
| Modal | Function | Example | Tone |
|---|---|---|---|
| Will | Future certainty | I will help you. | Direct, assertive |
| Would | Politeness/conditional | I would like to help you. | Polite, soft |
Why “I Will Like To” Is Incorrect
Many learners mistakenly use “I will like to” thinking it is a polite future expression. The problem? Will does not convey desire in this structure.
Incorrect:
- I will like to meet you tomorrow.
Why it’s wrong:
- “Like” expresses preference or desire. Using “will” with it makes the sentence sound awkward and unnatural.
- Native speakers never use this form because it sounds forced.
Correct Alternative:
- I would like to meet you tomorrow.
Why “I Would Like To” Is Correct
“I would like to” is the preferred structure for expressing desire politely. It works in professional, academic, and social contexts.
Examples Across Contexts
Work:
- I would like to schedule a meeting for next week.
School:
- I would like to ask a question about the assignment.
Social:
- I would like to invite you to my birthday party.
Polite and Soft Expression
“I would like to” = softer, more courteous alternative to “I want to.” Using it conveys respect and consideration for the listener.
“Would Like To” vs. “Want To”
Although would like to and want to express desire, their tone differs drastically.
- Want to: Informal, direct.
- Would like to: Polite, formal, considerate.
Examples:
- Want to: I want to see that movie tonight. (Casual conversation)
- Would like to: I would like to see that movie tonight. (Polite request)
| Expression | Tone | Context |
|---|---|---|
| Want to | Direct, informal | Friends, casual texts |
| Would like to | Polite, formal | Work, interviews, academic |
Pro Tip: Use would like to in any professional or polite conversation. It never sounds rude.
Context Matters: Formal vs. Informal Speech
Formal Settings
I would like to shines in formal situations:
- Emails
- Meetings
- Interviews
Examples:
- I would like to discuss the quarterly report.
- I would like to request your feedback on this draft.
Informal Settings
I want to works fine with friends or casual conversations:
- I want to grab coffee.
- I want to watch the new episode tonight.
Regional Variations
- British English often favors I would like to in polite requests.
- American English allows more flexibility but still prefers would like to in professional contexts.
Politeness, Tone, and Audience Perception
Using I would like to signals professionalism, respect, and consideration. Overusing will or want can make you sound blunt or impolite.
Example:
- Blunt: I will send you the report tomorrow.
- Polite: I would like to send you the report tomorrow, if that works for you.
Notice how the latter not only softens the tone but also makes you sound approachable.
Common Mistakes and How to Fix Them
Mistake 1: Overusing “Will”
Many learners overuse will thinking it’s the polite future form.
Correction: Replace with would like to when expressing desire.
Mistake 2: Confusing Contractions
Incorrect: I’ll like to…
Correct: I’d like to…
Tip: Use I’d like to in spoken English.
Mistake 3: Translating Directly from Another Language
Some languages use a direct future form for polite requests. Translating it literally causes I will like to errors.
Fix: Always remember: “would” softens the request.
Before & After Examples:
| Before | After |
|---|---|
| I will like to join the club. | I would like to join the club. |
| I will like to meet your teacher. | I would like to meet your teacher. |
| I’ll like to order food. | I’d like to order food. |
Practical Usage Guide
At Work
- Requesting meetings: I would like to schedule a call with you.
- Offering help: I would like to assist you with this project.
- Making suggestions politely: I would like to propose a new strategy.
At School
- Asking questions: I would like to clarify my assignment.
- Participating in class: I would like to share my opinion.
- Requesting help: I would like to ask for guidance on this topic.
Daily Life
- Ordering food: I would like to have a cheeseburger, please.
- Booking tickets: I would like to book two tickets for tomorrow.
- Casual polite requests: I would like to borrow your notes.
Quick Table: Do’s and Don’ts
| Context | Do | Don’t |
|---|---|---|
| Work | I would like to schedule a meeting. | I will like to schedule a meeting. |
| School | I would like to ask a question. | I want to ask a question. |
| Daily Life | I would like to order a coffee. | I’ll like to order a coffee. |
Expert Tips for Learners
- Memorization Hack: Think of would like to as “soft want to.” It makes requests polite.
- Practice Exercise: Write three sentences using I would like to every day.
- Self-Correction Tip: If it sounds blunt or unnatural, replace will or want with would like to.
- Advanced Practice: Compare casual vs. polite sentences in English movies or shows.
Quote for Motivation:
“Politeness costs nothing but gains everything.” – Anonymous
FAQs
What is the difference between “I will like to” and “I would like to”?
Answer: “I will like to” is grammatically incorrect. “I would like to” is polite and correct for expressing desire.
Can I use “I would like to” in casual conversation?
Answer: Yes, it’s always polite, though “I want to” works fine with friends.
Is “I’d like to” the same as “I would like to”?
Answer: Yes, it’s the contracted spoken form of “I would like to.”
Can “I would like to” be used in emails?
Answer: Absolutely. It is preferred in professional and formal emails.
Why do English learners say “I will like to”?
Answer: Many translate directly from their native language or confuse “will” with “would.”
Conclusion
Mastering the difference between I will like to and I would like to is essential for polite and correct English.
Always use I would like to when expressing desire, making requests, or communicating in professional contexts.
Practicing this phrase will make your speech smoother, more courteous, and natural.
Start today by replacing “I will like to” with “I would like to” in your conversations.
I’m Alex Henry — a passionate English enthusiast who loves exploring words, grammar, and the art of expression. I share creative tips to help you fall in love with the English language every day.