I Will Like To vs I Would Like To – Correct Usage Explained

When it comes to expressing desires, intentions, or polite requests in English, many learners often get confused between “I will like to” and “I would like to.” Understanding the difference is essential for formal communication, professional writing, and everyday conversational English. While both phrases may seem similar at first glance, their grammatical accuracy, tone, and politeness level vary significantly.

The phrase “I would like to” is widely recognized as the correct form when making polite requests, offering, or expressing preferences. It is considered more courteous, professional, and suitable for emails, job interviews, and official conversations. On the other hand, “I will like to” is often seen as incorrect, though it sometimes appears in casual speech due to common mistakes or language influence from informal settings.

Mastering this distinction is crucial not only for English grammar learners but also for anyone aiming to enhance their writing skills, speaking fluency, and overall language proficiency. In this guide, we will break down the usage rules, examples, and contextual applications of both phrases, ensuring that you can confidently choose the correct version every time. By the end, you’ll understand why “I would like to” stands out as the preferred choice in most situations.

Understanding “Will” vs. “Would” – The Core Difference

The first step is to understand what “will” and “would” actually mean in English.

• Will: Expresses certainty about the future. It signals definite intention or prediction.
  • Example: “I will attend the meeting tomorrow.” (This is certain; you plan to go.)
• Would: Expresses conditional situations, hypothetical scenarios, or polite requests. It’s less direct and softer in tone.
  • Example: “I would attend the meeting if I were free.” (This is conditional; it depends on something else.)

In the case of “I will like to” vs. “I would like to,” this distinction matters.

Phrase	Meaning	Tone	Correct Usage
I will like to	Future certainty (rarely natural)	Forceful / awkward	Generally incorrect in polite contexts
I would like to	Polite desire or preference	Polite / professional	Correct in nearly all formal and informal situations

Notice that “I would like to” feels natural in English, while “I will like to” often sounds stiff or wrong, even if it’s technically understandable.

Context Determines Correct Choice

English isn’t just about grammar rules—it’s about context. Choosing “will” or “would” depends on what you’re trying to communicate.

• Use “will” when you want to state a firm future action:
  • “I will submit the report by Friday.”
  • This shows certainty and commitment.
• Use “would” when you want to sound polite, hypothetical, or conditional:
  • “I would like to discuss your proposal.”
  • “I would like to join the trip if I finish my work.”

Quick guide:

• Making promises → I will…
• Expressing polite preferences → I would like…
• Conditional scenarios → I would like… if…

By understanding context, you can avoid sounding abrupt or awkward.

Politeness and Professional Communication

One of the biggest reasons “I would like to” is preferred is politeness. In professional emails, interviews, or formal conversations, using “would” signals respect and courtesy.

• Examples in business emails:
  • “I would like to schedule a meeting next week.”
  • “I will like to schedule a meeting next week.” (sounds stiff and unnatural)
• Customer service scenario:
  • “I would like to request a refund for my order.”
  • Using “will” in this context may sound demanding.
• Academic or formal writing:
  • “I would like to thank the committee for this opportunity.”

Tip: Whenever you want to soften your request, choose “would like to.” It’s almost always safer and more professional.

Is “I Will Like To” Ever Correct?

Technically, “I will like to” isn’t grammatically incorrect in every case, but it’s extremely rare. It usually appears in sentences where the speaker predicts a future preference:

• “I will like to try that new restaurant when it opens.”

Even here, it sounds slightly awkward. Most native speakers would say:

• “I would like to try that new restaurant when it opens.”

Why “I will like to” sounds unnatural:

• It mixes future certainty (“will”) with polite desire (“like to”), which English prefers to keep separate.
• Politeness and tone are important; “would” is softer and more natural.

Practical rule: Avoid “I will like to” unless you’re specifically predicting a future feeling in a very informal or literary context.

Modality in English: How “Will” and “Would” Shape Meaning

Modality is a fancy term for expressing likelihood, necessity, or ability in English. Words like will and would are modal verbs—they show how certain or polite your statement is.

• Will = high certainty or determination
  • “I will attend the event.” → You’re determined; no uncertainty.
• Would = conditional, polite, or less direct
  • “I would attend the event if I could.” → Conditional; polite.
  • “I would like to attend the event.” → Polite and natural

Understanding modality helps you choose the right tone. If your goal is polite communication, especially in emails, requests, or professional settings, “would like to” wins every time.

Example Table:

Modal Verb	Function	Tone	Example
Will	Certainty / intention	Firm	I will complete the task.
Would	Conditional / polite	Soft / courteous	I would like to complete the task.
Can	Ability	Neutral	I can complete the task.
Should	Recommendation	Advisory	I should complete the task.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Learners often confuse “will” and “would”. Here are the top mistakes:

• “I will like to ask you a question.” → sounds demanding
• “I would like to ask you a question.” → polite and natural
• “I will like to meet him tomorrow.” → awkward
• “I would like to meet him tomorrow.” → correct
• “I will like to know your opinion.” → stiff
• “I would like to know your opinion.” → polite

Tips to avoid mistakes:

1. Ask yourself: Am I trying to make a polite request or express preference? → Use would.
2. Reserve will for certainty or promises, not polite desires.
3. Read your sentence out loud. If it sounds abrupt or forceful, switch to would.

Audience and Cultural Considerations

English is flexible, but context matters. Audience perception can change how your phrases are received:

• Formal vs. informal:
  • Formal → “I would like to request your feedback.”
  • Informal → “I’d like to see that movie with you.”
• Cultural perception:
  • In American English, politeness and indirectness are valued in requests.
  • In British English, “I would like to” is even more standard in business and social etiquette.

Rule of thumb: When in doubt, use “I would like to”. It’s safe, polite, and widely understood across cultures.

Practical Examples in Everyday English

Here’s how “I would like to” dominates real-life communication:

• Invitations:
  • “I would like to invite you to our annual meeting.”
• Preferences:
  • “I would like to have coffee instead of tea.”
• Requests:
  • “I would like to request a copy of the report.”
• Professional scenarios:
  • “I would like to discuss your proposal in detail.”

Side-by-side comparison table:

Situation	Incorrect	Correct
Requesting a meeting	I will like to meet you tomorrow.	I would like to meet you tomorrow.
Asking for opinion	I will like to know your thoughts.	I would like to know your thoughts.
Expressing preference	I will like to try the new menu.	I would like to try the new menu.
Invitations	I will like to invite you to the event.	I would like to invite you to the event.

Exercises to Practice Correct Usage

Practice makes perfect. Here are some exercises:

Fill in the blanks:

1. I ___ like to schedule a meeting for Friday.
2. I ___ like to hear your opinion on this matter.
3. I ___ like to try the new Italian restaurant if I have time.

Answers:

1. would
2. would
3. would

Speaking tip: Try these sentences aloud. Notice how “would like to” sounds natural and polite. Using “will like to” feels forced.

Quick Reference Cheat Sheet

Instant guide to decide which to use:

• Use “I would like to”: Polite, professional, conditional, or when expressing preference.
• Use “I will like to”: Only when predicting a future preference (rarely needed).

Visual diagram:

[Are you making a polite request or expressing preference?] → YES → I would like to

[Are you stating future certainty or a promise?] → YES → I will + verb (not “like to”)

Table Summary:

Phrase	Use	Example
I would like to	Polite requests, preferences, conditional	I would like to speak with the manager.
I will like to	Rare future prediction	I will like to visit Paris next year.

Conclusion

In summary, choosing between “I will like to” and “I would like to” is a matter of grammar, tone, and politeness. “I would like to” is the correct and widely accepted form, especially in formal writing, professional emails, and polite requests. It conveys respect, courtesy, and proper English usage. On the other hand, “I will like to” is considered incorrect, though it may occasionally appear in casual speech.

By understanding the difference, you can avoid common mistakes, improve your communication skills, and sound more confident and professional in both spoken and written English. Remember, using “I would like to” demonstrates politeness, refined grammar, and a strong command of the English language, which is essential for career growth, academic writing, and social interactions.

FAQs

Q1: Can I ever use “I will like to”?

A1: It’s rarely correct. In most cases, you should use “I would like to” for proper grammar and politeness.

Q2: Is “I would like to” formal or informal?

A2: “I would like to” is formal and polite, suitable for emails, interviews, and requests.

Q3: Can “I would like to” be used in casual conversations?

A3: Yes, it can be used in casual speech to sound polite and courteous.

Q4: What’s the difference in tone between the two?

A4: “I would like to” is polite and professional, while “I will like to” can sound awkward or incorrect.

Q5: Are there alternative phrases to “I would like to”?

A5: Yes, alternatives include “I want to,” “I am interested in,” or “I hope to.” These vary in politeness and formality.