“I Will Like To” vs. “I Would Like To” – Correct Version Explained

When studying English grammar, many learners mix up “I will like to” and “I would like to.” Though they appear similar, they have different meanings and tones. This confusion often leads to unclear communication, especially in writing or speaking. The choice between the two depends on the context, the speaker’s intention, and the formality level. In “I Will Like To” vs. “I Would Like To”, understanding the correct form ensures your message sounds natural, polite, and confident in everyday conversations.

When deciding between the two, focus on context and intention. If you’re making a hypothetical or polite request, choose “I would like to.” If you mean certainty about a future event, “I will like to” could fit, but it’s still uncommon. Using the right phrase shows linguistic understanding and clarity, helping you sound more natural and professional. Mastering this subtle difference not only improves your grammar but also refines your overall communication skills in both speaking and writing.

Introduction: Why This Question Matters

You see sentences like “I would like to meet you” or “I would like to apply for the job” all the time. “I will like to”, however, sounds odd and non-native. Why? Because the meaning shifts when you use “will” instead of “would.”

Using the wrong form can change your tone- from polite to presumptuous- or even confuse your meaning. When you write or speak English, you want your words to reflect your intent clearly. Getting “I would like to vs I will like to” right is a small but powerful piece of that clarity.

By the end of this article, you’ll:

• know when (and whether) “I will like to” is ever acceptable
• feel confident using “I would like to” in emails, talks, essays
• avoid common mistakes with “will” and “would”
• understand related grammar pitfalls

Grammar Foundations: Will, Would, and Modality

Before we compare the two phrases, we must understand the tools they rest on: modal verbs and how “will” and “would” function.

What do “will” and “would” express?

Modal	Key meanings/uses	Example sentences
Will	Future actions, promises, decisions made now, certainty	I will call you tomorrow. She will help you. He will succeed.
Would	Politeness, hypothetical/conditional actions, softening, in past sequences	I would help you if I could. I would like a coffee. They said they would arrive.

• 
  Will indicates a definite future or determination
• Would soften, make things conditional or polite
• In many situations, using would is safer if you’re unsure

The British Council describes “would” as the past form of “will,” often used for hypotheses, politeness, or conditional statements.
Preply echoes this: “will” handles future or spontaneous decisions, while “would” handles hypotheticals and polite constructions.

Key insight: “Would” often introduces a possibility or desire, rather than a guaranteed event.

How “like” works with modals

When you attach “like to” to a modal, you’re expressing desire or preference for an action. “Would like to” becomes a polite, softer way to express “want to.”

Cambridge’s grammar notes that we use “would like / ’d like to” when making polite offers or requests, or when speaking of wants.

Thus, would + like to is built for this kind of expression: “I’d like to go there,” “Would you like to join?” etc.

Deep Dive: “I Would Like To”

This is the hero phrase in almost every practical scenario of wanting or requesting.

Why we use “I Would Like To”

• It expresses desire without demanding
• It’s polite and carries openness
• It doesn’t guarantee that the action will happen (you might change your mind, or conditions might differ)

You’ll find “I would like to” in formal writing (letters, business emails) and in polite speech. It’s idiomatic and widely accepted.

Situations & examples

Context	Sentence using “I would like to”	Comment
Job application	I would like to apply for the Sales Manager position.	Sounds courteous, professional.
Meeting someone	I would like to meet you at your convenience.	Soft, not pushy.
Requesting help	I would like to ask a favor of you.	Better than “I want to ask.”
Expressing preference	I would like to learn Spanish.	Conveys intent without overcommitment.

Variants & contractions

You’ll often see I’d like to instead of I would like to. It’s more conversational but equally polite.

Important rule: after “I would like,” always use the to + verb form (infinitive). Don’t say “I’d like going” –  that’s incorrect.

Espresso English explains this clearly:

“I’d like” softens “I want” in daily conversation, making it more polite.

What About “I Will Like To”?

Let’s poke at the oddball phrase. Is there ever a place for it? Usually, no.

Why it sounds wrong

• Will promises or guarantees; pairing it with “like” suggests certainty about a future feeling.
• We seldom talk about future feelings like that in English- “I will like” is awkward.
• Speakers almost never use it: according to usage statistics, “would like to” appears 222 times more often than “will like to.”
• It often reads like a translation from another language, not idiomatic English.

Could it ever be ok?

In extremely rare, poetic, or stylistic uses, someone might want to say:

“When I meet her, I will like to greet her warmly.”

But even then, native speakers would more naturally say “I will want to greet her warmly” or “I hope I’ll feel like greeting her.”

A StackExchange user explains it well:

“Will is used for an action that will actually take place … ‘I will like to swim’ communicates expectation, not desire. You can’t interchange the two.”

In short: avoid “I will like to” in regular speech or writing.

Context & Tone: Formal vs Informal

Sometimes context makes the difference between acceptable or awkward. But with “I would like to vs I will like to,” the safe bet is almost always “would like to.”

Informal conversation

In casual talk, you might say “I want to” instead of “I’d like to.” But “I will like to” still stays off-limits- it sounds unnatural.

Formal writing

Emails, business proposals, academic letters- all of them favor “I would like to.” It strikes the right tone: respectful, polite, clear.

Tone & perception

• “I would like to” –  soft, polite, open
• “I will like to” –  assertive (if taken literally), awkward if taken as desire
• The listener or reader may interpret “will” as presuming something you can’t guarantee

So unless you have a strong reason, stick with “I would like to.”

Certainty vs Openness: Subtle Meaning Shifts

It helps to look at how “will” and “would” shift nuance.

“I will like to” implies certainty

If someone said:

I will like to see that movie.

That suggests: when I watch it, I’m certain I’ll enjoy it. It doesn’t express that you currently want to see it.

“I would like to” implies desire now, openness

When you say:

I would like to see that movie.

You’re saying: right now, I want to see it. You leave room for conditions, availability, or permission.

If you want, compare:

• I will like chocolate vs I would like chocolate
  The first suggests “in the future I’ll enjoy it,” which is odd. The second is what you’d say when you want chocolate now.

In fact, on ELL StackExchange someone points out:

“Would implies doubt. Will implies certainty.”

Common Mistakes & Pitfalls

Even advanced learners slip here. Let’s spot the most frequent errors and how to fix them.

Mistake: “Will like to” in questions or requests

Wrong: Will you like to help me?
Better: Would you like to help me?

Using “will” in a question assumes obligation or inevitability- less polite. One user argues:

“‘Will’ sentences will be understood as requests, but using ‘will’ assumes your request will be granted- presumptuous.”

Mistake: Direct translation habits

Some languages use equivalents of “will like” more freely. Translating that into English yields awkward usage.

Mistake: mixing with other tenses

Wrong: I will like going to Paris last year.
Correct: I would have liked to go to Paris last year.

Exercise: Spot the error

Correct these:

1. I will like to start the project soon.
2. Will you like to come with me?
3. I knew I will like that gift.

Answers:

1. I would like to start the project soon.
2. Would you like to come with me?
3. I knew I would like that gift.

Practice & Application

Here’s where you get hands-on. Below are fill-in-the-blanks, prompts, and guidance.

Fill-in-the-blanks

Choose would or will:

1. I ___ like to visit Paris someday.
2. ___ you like to join us for lunch?
3. He says he ___ like the idea once he sees it.

Answers:

1. would; 2. Would; 3. will (because here he is predicting a future reaction).

Real-world prompts

• Write a polite email: “I would like to request…”
• During a meeting: “I would like to contribute this idea …”
• When making plans: “I would like to go hiking next weekend.”

Self-check tips

• After writing would like to, read it aloud- does it feel natural?
• Try swapping want to or hope to and see if meaning shifts.
• If you used will like to, mentally replace it with would like to– see if it improves the tone.

Related Grammar Mini Lessons

Because smart readers often face multiple grammar doubts, here are concise clarifications on nearby tricky issues.

Is “I am very much looking forward” correct?

Yes, but often it’s more natural to say:

• I am very much looking forward to seeing you.
• I am really looking forward to your reply.

Avoid awkward rearrangements like I am looking forward very much.

Who I met vs Whom I met

• Whom is the object: Whom did you meet?
• Who is the subject: Who met you?

In everyday speech, many native speakers just say “who I met,” but in formal writing you might prefer “whom I met.”

How to use “however” in sentences

Place however thoughtfully- with punctuation:

• I wanted to go. However, I was tired.
• However you look at it, the result is clear.

Don’t overuse it; it’s a strong transition.

It has vs It have

Use has with singular it:

• It has been a long day.
• It has rained heavily.

Never “It have” (unless “it” stands for multiple things in a special context).

“Of course” –  comma rules

• At start: Of course, we’ll arrive on time.
• In mid-sentence: We will, of course, help you.
• At end: We’ll help, of course.

Use commas to set it off when it interrupts the flow.

Tuesdays vs Tuesday’s

• Tuesdays (plural): I work on Tuesdays.
• Tuesday’s (possessive): Tuesday’s meeting was canceled.
• Tuesdays’ if talking about multiple Tuesdays’ events: The Tuesdays’ meetings were all nail-biting.

Summary & Key Takeaways

Phrase	Meaning / Use	Safe to Use?
I would like to	Polite request or desire	✅ Always
I will like to	Promise about future liking	❌ Rarely, awkward

When in doubt: go with “I would like to.”

Additional tips

• Read sample texts or native writing, and notice how often “would like to” appears vs “will like to.”
• If you accidentally write “will like to,” correct it in your drafts.
• Build a habit: use “would like to” in your emails, essays, even in speech.

Conclusion

Understanding the difference between “I would like to” and “I will like to” isn’t just a grammar detail –  it’s a matter of tone, politeness, and fluency. In English, small word choices often carry big meaning. “I would like to” expresses desire, intent, or a polite request, while “I will like to” predicts a future emotion, which rarely fits natural speech. Mastering this difference makes you sound more professional, respectful, and confident, especially in workplaces, interviews, or written communication.

Think of it this way: “would like” is your polite and flexible tool for expressing wishes, while “will like” feels rigid, awkward, and occasionally presumptive. Using “would like” helps you navigate both formal and informal contexts smoothly. For example, “I would like to discuss the proposal” sounds far more natural than “I will like to discuss the proposal.”

Grammatical precision shows respect –  for the language and for the listener. It makes your writing sound polished and your speech sound thoughtful. But don’t just memorize rules. Listen to native speakers, read professional writing, and practice real-world use. Soon, your ear will automatically prefer the right phrasing.

Remember, the key is awareness. English has many subtleties –  from modal verbs like “will” and “would” to small shifts in tone that change meaning entirely. By mastering expressions like “I would like to”, you’re not only improving your grammar but also your ability to communicate warmth, politeness, and clarity. That’s what makes the difference between sounding textbook-correct and truly fluent.

In short: when in doubt, choose “I would like to.” It’s universally correct, effortlessly polite, and always professional.

FAQs

Is “I will like to” grammatically correct?

Technically, yes –  but it’s rarely natural. “I will like to” predicts a future emotional state, not a request or intention. Native speakers rarely use it that way. The correct form for expressing polite desire or willingness is “I would like to.” For example, say “I would like to apply for this role” rather than “I will like to apply.” Using “would” softens your tone and aligns with standard English grammar.

Why do we use “would” instead of “will”?

We use “would” because it makes requests and offers more polite, tentative, or conditional. “Will” sounds assertive or definite, while “would” keeps the tone softer and more courteous. For example, “I will help you” shows determination, but “I would help you” shows willingness, not certainty. In daily communication, this difference affects how people perceive your politeness and tone.

Can I say “I’d like to” instead of “I would like to”?

Absolutely. “I’d like to” is simply the contracted form of “I would like to.” It’s perfectly acceptable in both spoken and written English, especially in conversational contexts. It sounds natural and friendly while remaining polite. For example, “I’d like to order a coffee” is just as correct as “I would like to order a coffee.” Both express polite intent, but the contraction adds smoothness and flow.

When is “I will like to” acceptable to use?

Rarely in everyday English. It might appear in poetic writing or futuristic contexts predicting feelings, such as “I will like the new system once I get used to it.” Even then, it’s rare and sounds awkward. In professional, academic, or conversational settings, always choose “I would like to.” That form is idiomatic, polite, and grammatically sound.

What’s the easiest way to remember which one to use?

Here’s a quick trick: if your sentence expresses wanting, requesting, or offering, use “would like to.” If it predicts a definite future emotion, use “will like to” (though that’s rare). Think of “would” as the polite, flexible form that fits 99% of real-life uses. When in doubt, say “I would like to.” It’ll always sound natural, respectful, and grammatically correct.