How to say it · How you feel

Saying you like something

A friend shows you a new song, a jacket or a café. "I like it" works, but fluent speakers have different lines for a little, a lot and can't-stop-thinking-about-it.

6 ways to say it

At a craft market, Mia holds up a hand-made mug she loves, with a big heart above it, as the stallholder smiles.

How strongMildIntense

I really like itbest default I quite like itmild and honest It's growing on meslowly liking I love itwarm and everyday I'm a big fan ofwork-safe I'm obsessed with itcan't stop

Way 1 · best default

I really like it

Clear, warm and safe anywhere. You like it a lot, without sounding over the top.

How strongMiddle

ToneNeutral

Use itAnywhere

Examples

I really like it. Where did you get it?

I really like the new office. It's so much brighter.

In a conversation

A: So, what do you think of the flat?
B: I really like it. The kitchen's lovely.

Common mistake

Not: I ~~very~~ like it.

Say: I really like it.

"Very" can't go in front of a verb like "like". Use "really" there instead.

Practice saying this

Next: I quite like it

Way 2 · mild and honest

I quite like it

You like it, but you're not excited about it. Good when you want to be honest but kind.

How strongMild

ToneNeutral

Use itAnywhere

Examples

I quite like it, but I prefer the blue one.

It's not my usual kind of music, but I quite like it.

Practice saying this

Next: It's growing on me

Way 3 · slowly liking

It's growing on me

You weren't sure at first, but you're starting to like it more and more.

How strongVery mild

ToneCasual

Use itWith friends

Examples

I hated that song at first, but it's growing on me.

The new haircut is growing on me. Give it a week.

In a conversation

A: You still don't like my new sofa, do you?
B: Honestly? It's growing on me.

Practice saying this

Next: I love it

Way 4 · warm and everyday

I love it

Stronger than "like". People use it all the time for things, not just people, so it's not too much.

How strongIntense

ToneCasual

Use itAnywhere

Examples

Thank you for the scarf! I love it.

I love it when the café's quiet like this.

In a conversation

A: I made you a playlist for the drive.
B: Oh, I love it! This song's brilliant.

Common mistake

Not: I ~~like it very much.~~

Say: I love it.

"I like it very much" is correct but sounds formal, like a letter. Opening a gift with friends, "I love it" sounds natural.

Practice saying this

Next: I'm a big fan of

Way 5 · work-safe

I'm a big fan of

You like something a lot and support it. Friendly but calm enough for work, food, brands and ideas.

How strongIntense

ToneNeutral

Use itAt work

Examples

I'm a big fan of this idea. Let's try it.

I'm not a big fan of spicy food, but I'm a big fan of this place.

Practice saying this

Next: I'm obsessed with it

Way 6 · can't stop

I'm obsessed with it

You like it so much you keep thinking about it, using it or playing it. A fun, happy exaggeration.

How strongVery intense

ToneCasual

Use itWith friends

Examples

Have you tried this new bakery? I'm obsessed with it.

She found a new show last week and she's obsessed with it.

Practice saying this

Test yourself: which would you say?

Pick the right one

Which would you say?

Read the moment, then choose the way that fits it best.

The mistake learners make

What a translation app gives you, and what people actually say.

Not: I ~~prefer too much this.~~

Say: I love this one.

"Prefer" compares two things, and "too much" means more than is good. To say you like it a lot, use "love".

Now say it out loud

Pick one and practise it in a real conversation. Save the ones you want to remember.

I really like it I quite like it It's growing on me I love it

Which would you say?

The mistake learners make

Now say it out loud

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