Other ways to express “likes” and “dislikes.”

When we talk about “likes” and “dislikes,” it is important for ESL learners to familiarize themselves with certain expressions. Why? There are two reasons: First, English learners should learn as many synonyms as possible or risk sounding repetitive. Second, some expressions indicate the intensity of your “like” and “dislike.” Let us review some handy phrases for “likes”:

• I adore… (more than like)
  1. I adore Lin Manuel Miranda.
• I’m really into… (you really like it)
  1. I’m really into Lin Manuel Miranda.
• I’m crazy about/ I’m mad about… (you absolutely love it)
  1. I’m crazy about Lin Manuel Miranda.
• I’m a huge fan of… (you really enjoy something)
  1. I’m a huge fan of Lin Manuel Miranda.

These are some useful expressions for “dislikes”:

• … is not my cup of tea (I don’t enjoy something)
  1. Sushi is not my cup of tea.
• I’m not into… (you don’t enjoy something)
  1. I’m not into sushi.
• I can’t stand… (you hate it)
  1. I can’t stand sushi.
• I loathe… (the intensity of this one is the strongest; you really, really hate it)
  1. I loathe sushi.

So, next time you talk about your “likes” and “dislikes,” try to use these expressions. Be proactive and always challenge yourself to learn more!