Unit 30. Would you like …?

Would you like … ? = Do you want … ?
We use Would you like … ? to offer things:
- "Would you like some coffee?" "Yes, please."
- "Would you like a cigarette?" "No, thank you. I don't smoke."
- "What would you like, tea or coffee?" "Tea, please."

We use Would you like to … ? to invite someone:
- Would you like to come to a party?
- "Would you like to have dinner with me on Sunday?" "Yes, I'd love to. (= I would love to have dinner with you.)"
- Where would you like to go this evening?

I'd like (I would like) is a polite way of saying "I want":
- (in a restaurant) I'd like fish, please.
- I'm thirsty. I'd like a drink.
- I'd like to see the film on television this evening.

Study the difference:

Would you like … ? / I'd like …
Unit 30. Would you like …?

Would you like some tea? = Do you want some tea? (an offer)

Do you like … ?/ I like …
Unit 30. Would you like …?

Do you like tea? = Do you think tea is nice?

- "Would you like to go to the cinema tonight?" (tonight)" "Yes, I'd love to go."
but "Do you like going to the cinema?" (in general) "Yes, I go to the cinema a lot."
- I'd like an orange. (= I want an orange now.)
but I like oranges. (in general)

See Unit 47. to … (I want to do) and -ing (I enjoy doing)

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