would you like to?

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Chariot

#337373 Fri, 09 Mar 07 10:00 AM

would you like to.....?

What /where... would you like to...?

When are these phrases used? How to reply to them? thanks

Chariot

Joined on Mon, Apr 24 2006

Full Member (334)

Mister Micawber

#337374 Fri, 09 Mar 07 10:02 AM

They are suggestions: Would you like to have a bite to eat? Where would you like to eat?
Answer with your druthers, real or otherwise: Yes, I would. How about McDonald's?

Mister Micawber

Joined on Wed, Aug 4 2004

Yokohama

Veteran Member (22,306)

'The question is,' said Humpty Dumpty, 'which is to be master-- that's all.'

Chariot

#338315 Mon, 12 Mar 07 09:18 AM

thank you, Mr.

My friend said that "Would you like to?" sounds a little too formal on certain occasions. For something that a decision should be made immediately on "Do you want..." sounds better.

I think that "Do you want..." does not give a suggestion, instead, the speaker tries to find out what the person is going to do, i.e., the person's decision. I'd like to hear more from you and everybody.

Chariot

Mister Micawber

#338332 Mon, 12 Mar 07 10:31 AM

English seldom sounds 'too' polite. I think 'Would you like to?' works fine in almost any situation-- I certainly use it to my wife and son when I am being nice.

'Do you want to?' is the familiar equivalent, used only with wives and sons and other relatives, close peers, and close friends and acquaintances.

They are both suggestion forms, though of course 'Do you want to?' can also be a strict enquiry in the appropriate context.

Mister Micawber