Difference Between Like Something or Like Someone: English has many phrases to express liking someone or something. These phrases help you talk about your feelings in different ways. Some are used for people, while others are used for things or activities. For instance, you might say you love reading books, or you are keen on sports. Each phrase has a special meaning and fits certain situations.
13 Common Expressions for Liking Someone or Something
Learning these common expressions will make your English sound better and more natural. In this lesson, you will see examples and understand how to use these phrases correctly.
1. Be Fond of Somebody/Something
Meaning: To like someone or something, especially if you have liked them for a long time.
- Examples:
- Connie had always been fond of animals.
- Over the years, I’ve become fond of him.
- He had always been fond of drinking at lunchtime, perhaps too fond.
2. Be Into Something (Informal)
Meaning: To enjoy doing a particular activity or be interested in a subject, often used by young people.
- Examples:
- She’s really into music at the moment.
- What kind of films are you into?
3. Something Grows on You
Meaning: To begin liking something that you didn’t like at first.
- Examples:
- I didn’t like the color of the room at first, but it’s growing on me.
4. Love/Adore Someone/Something
Meaning: To like someone or something very much. Adore is stronger than love but less common.
- Examples:
- I love the smell of coffee.
- The children absolutely adore her books.
5. Have a Passion for Something
Meaning: To enjoy an activity very much because it gives you pleasure or excitement.
- Examples:
- He’s always had a passion for fast cars.
- Anton has a consuming passion for science fiction.
6. Be Keen on Somebody/Something (Spoken)
Meaning: To like someone or something. It’s often used in negative sentences.
- Examples:
- I like Maria but I’m not keen on her husband.
- I was keen on all sports at school.
- I’m quite keen on the idea of having a fancy dress party.
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7. Have a Thing About Somebody/Something (Informal)
Meaning: To like someone or something, especially if it’s surprising or unusual.
- Examples:
- I’ve always had a thing about wolves.
- He has this thing about tall women.
8. Be Partial to Something (Formal)
Meaning: To like to have something, often used humorously.
- Examples:
- He’s partial to the occasional glass of wine.
- I’m not partial to mushrooms.
9. Be Crazy/Mad About Something (Informal)
Meaning: To be extremely interested in something and spend a lot of time enjoying it.
- Examples:
- Jonah’s crazy about basketball.
- She’s always been mad about horses.
10. Be Addicted to Something
Meaning: To like something so much that you spend all your time doing it.
- Examples:
- My son’s addicted to computer games.
- I started watching the show out of curiosity, but now I’m addicted!
11. Be a Fan of Something
Meaning: To like a person or thing very much.
- Examples:
- He’s a big fan of country music.
- I’m not a fan of cats.
12. Have a Soft Spot for Someone
Meaning: To feel a lot of affection for someone.
- Examples:
- I’ve always had a soft spot for her younger nephew.
13. Can’t Get Enough of Something/Someone (Informal)
Meaning: To enjoy something or someone so much that you want more of it.
- Examples:
- I can’t get enough of this TV series.
- He misses his grandchildren a lot.
Conclusion
Expressing what you like in English is an important skill for communicating your preferences and feelings. By using these phrases, you can add variety and depth to your conversations. Remember to practice these expressions in both speaking and writing. Happy learning!
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