Table of Contents
Introduction
This ESL speaking lesson focuses on how to talk about likes and dislikes in English.
Students learn common expressions used to express preferences, dislikes, and disinterest, and practice them through examples and speaking activities.
Level: A1–A2
Focus: Speaking and communication
How to Talk About Likes and Dislikes in English
As a speaker of English, you’ll often find yourself in situations where you need to convey your preferences and dislikes. Below, we’ll explore a variety of expressions commonly used in English to express likes and dislikes.
Common Expressions for Likes and Dislikes
To talk about your likes and dislikes, you can use the following expressions:
Expressing Likes:
- I like…
- I love…
- I adore…
- I’m crazy about…
- I’m mad about…
- I enjoy…
- I’m fond of…
- I’m passionate about…
- I have a soft spot for…
- I’m really into…
- I’m keen on…
- I’m a big fan of…
Expressing Dislikes:
- I don’t like…
- I dislike…
- I hate…
- I abhor…
- I can’t bear…
- I can’t stand…
- I detest…
- I loathe…
- I’m not keen on…
- I’m not a fan of…
- I have an aversion to…
- I’m not particularly fond of…
- I find it unpleasant…
- It’s not my cup of tea…
- I’m not crazy about…
- It rubs me the wrong way…
Example Sentences Of Likes And Dislikes
Here are some example sentences of likes and dislikes
- I’m mad about basketball, but I can’t bear ice hockey.
- I adore reading poetry, but I loathe doing housework.
- I love hiking in the mountains, but I dislike camping in the rain.
- I’m crazy about Italian food, but I can’t stand spicy cuisine.
- I’m fond of watching movies, but I’m not keen on horror films.
- I enjoy playing the piano, but I’m not a fan of practicing scales.
- I’m passionate about traveling, but I have an aversion to flying.
- I have a soft spot for animals, but I find snakes terrifying.
- I’m really into photography, but I’m not particularly fond of posing for pictures.
- I’m keen on gardening, but I’m not crazy about weeding.
- I’m a big fan of cycling, but I’m not too enthusiastic about running.
- I’m not keen on crowded places, but I love exploring new cities.
- I’m not a fan of seafood, but I love sushi.
- I’m not particularly fond of spicy food, but I enjoy mild curries.
- It’s not my cup of tea to go to loud concerts, but I enjoy acoustic performances.
Expressing Disinterest
When you feel neutral about something, neither particularly liking nor disliking it, you can use the expression “I don’t mind.” This expression is very common in spoken English, especially when responding politely to suggestions.
Examples:
- “I don’t mind doing the housework.”
- “I don’t mind going to the gym.”
- “I don’t mind eating leftovers.”
- “I don’t mind watching documentaries.”
- “I don’t mind taking the scenic route.”
- “I don’t mind attending meetings.”
- “I don’t mind waiting in line.”
- “I don’t mind running errands.”
- “I don’t mind listening to classical music.”
- “I don’t mind wearing casual clothes.”
Things To Remember About Likes And Dislikes
1. When these expressions are followed by a verb, the latter is put in the -ing form. Examples:
- “I like listening to music.”
- “I hate wearing sunglasses.”
Structure:
| I like | VERB+ING |
| I detest | |
| I don’t mind |
- Note that “very much” and “a lot” always come after the things you like. Examples:
- “I like basketball very much/a lot.” NOT “I like very much/a lot basketball.”
- Be careful when using “I don’t mind…” Examples:
- “Do you mind playing football?”
- “No, I don’t mind.” (Although it’s in the negative form, it means that it’s okay for me. I neither love it nor hate it.)
Practice Activities: Likes and Dislikes
Activity 1: Multiple Choice Exercise: Likes and Dislikes
Choose the correct answer.
- I don’t like ______ up early on weekends.
- a) wake
- b) waking
- c) to wake
- She is really ______ classical music.
- a) fond
- b) keen
- c) keen on
- I can’t ______ loud music when I’m studying.
- a) stand
- b) standing
- c) stood
- They are big fans ______ basketball.
- a) for
- b) of
- c) to
- I don’t mind ______ at home tonight.
- a) stay
- b) staying
- c) to stay
- He’s not particularly fond ______ horror movies.
- a) in
- b) of
- c) on
- It’s not my cup of tea ______ late at night.
- a) work
- b) working
- c) to working
Activity 2: Pair Work
Students work in pairs and ask each other about their preferences using the expressions above.
Example questions:
- What food do you like?
- What activities do you dislike?
- What don’t you mind doing on weekends?
Activity 3: Class Survey
Students walk around the classroom and ask their classmates about their likes and dislikes. They complete the chart with the information they collect.
Example Questions
- What food do you like?
- What food do you dislike?
- What don’t you mind eating?
- What activities do you enjoy in your free time?
- Is there anything you can’t stand?
Example Answers
- I like pizza.
- I don’t like spicy food.
- I don’t mind eating vegetables.
- I enjoy playing football.
- I can’t stand loud music.
Survey Chart (to Be Completed by Students)
| Student Name | Likes | Dislikes | Doesn’t Mind |
|---|---|---|---|
Follow-up:
Students report their results to the class using sentences such as:
- Nobody likes doing homework on weekends.
- Most students like pizza.
- Two students don’t mind getting up early.
Activity 4: Find Someone Who…
Students walk around the classroom and ask questions to find classmates who match the descriptions below. They must write the student’s name next to each sentence.
- loves spicy food
- hates watching TV
- doesn’t mind getting up early
Model Questions (for Students)
- Do you love spicy food?
- Do you hate watching TV?
- Do you mind getting up early?
Model Answers
- Yes, I love it. / No, I don’t.
- Yes, I hate it. / No, I don’t.
- No, I don’t mind. / Yes, I do.
Extension (optional):
Students report back:
- Sara loves spicy food.
- Ali doesn’t mind getting up early.
- Jane hates watching TV.
1. b) waking
2. c) keen on
3. a) stand
4. b) of
5. b) staying
6. b) of
7. b) working
Activity 2:
Answers may vary. Students should use correct expressions to talk about their likes, dislikes, or things they do not mind doing.
Activity 3:
Answers will vary depending on students’ preferences. The survey chart should be completed with accurate information collected from classmates using appropriate questions and responses.
Activity 4:
Answers may vary. Students should correctly ask and answer questions to find classmates who match each description (e.g., loves spicy food, hates watching TV, doesn’t mind getting up early).
Example Dialogue
Steve is at home. His wife comes in. Notice how they express their likes and dislikes.
Steve: Hello, darling. Do you fancy watching a movie tonight?
His wife: Oh, no thanks, I don’t really feel like watching a movie tonight. How about going out instead?
Steve: Alright. Do you feel like going to the theater?
His wife: Oh, no. I hate it. How about trying that new Moroccan restaurant?
Steve: I don’t mind. Moroccan cuisine is fantastic too.
His wife: Oh, that sounds good. Let’s go there instead.
Useful Questions to Ask About Likes and Dislikes
Useful Questions
- What do you like doing in your free time?
- What kind of music do you enjoy?
- Is there anything you can’t stand?
- What don’t you mind doing?
- Are you a fan of sports?
