33 Ways to Say I Like It & I Don’t Like It in English

When I ask my students to express their opinion about something they like or dislike, most of them fall back on the same basic phrases: “I like it” and “I don’t like it.” Those are perfectly correct, but they’re also rather flat. English has a rich vocabulary of idioms, slang, and formal expressions that let you convey enthusiasm, indifference, or strong dislike with much more personality and precision. For more, see our understanding English accents.

I’ve organized 33 different ways to say you like something or dislike something — from everyday casual expressions to more formal and emphatic alternatives. You’ll find clear examples of each, plus a dialogue showing how these phrases sound in natural conversation, and a practice quiz to test yourself.

33 Ways to Express Liking Something

When you want to say you like something, English gives you options that range from understated to extremely enthusiastic. Let me break down the most useful ones by intensity level.

Expressing Mild or Moderate Interest

It’s to my thinking. A traditional, slightly formal way to say something appeals to you. Example: “Does the red sofa work for the living room?” “Yes, it’s to my thinking.”

It appeals to me. A more mature and professional-sounding way to express liking. Example: “The job description really appeals to me — I think I’d be happy in that role.”

It’s for my liking. An old-fashioned way to express preference. Example: “The apartment is nice, but it’s a bit small for my liking.”

I’m fond of it. A gentle, affectionate way to say you like something, often used for people or beloved objects. Example: “I’m fond of that old coffee mug — it reminds me of my grandmother.”

I’m interested in it. A straightforward, neutral expression of liking. Example: “I’m interested in learning Portuguese. Do you know a good teacher?”

I’m partial to it. A warm way to express that you have a soft spot for something. Example: “I’m partial to vanilla ice cream, especially on warm evenings.”

I’ve got a soft spot for it. An affectionate way to say something holds a special place in your heart. Example: “I’ve got a soft spot for old jazz records — they remind me of my father.”

Expressing Strong Enthusiasm

I really like it. A straightforward, confident statement. Example: “Have you heard the new album?” “Yes, I really like it.”

I’m really into it. A modern, energetic way to express strong interest. Example: “My daughter is really into skateboarding right now — she practices every day.”

I love it. A powerful, clear expression of strong affection. Example: “This coffee shop is amazing. I love it here.”

I adore it. Even stronger than “love” — conveys deep affection or admiration. Example: “I adore Moroccan cuisine. Whenever I see a new place opening, I have to try it.”

I can’t get enough of it. An emphatic way to say you’re extremely enthusiastic and want more. Example: “That show is fantastic. I can’t get enough of it.”

I’m crazy about it. An informal, enthusiastic way to express strong liking. Example: “I’m crazy about that new coffee place on Fifth Street.”

I’m mad about it. British English for strong enthusiasm — casual and energetic. Example: “The team is mad about the new midfielder.”

I’m keen on it. More formal than “into it” but still warm; common in British English. Example: “Are you keen on gardening?” “Yes, I’ve been growing vegetables for three years.”

I’m passionate about it. A deliberate, sincere way to express deep commitment and enthusiasm. Example: “I’m passionate about environmental conservation. It’s why I volunteer with the local park.”

I’m addicted to it. A playful overstatement meaning you like it so much you can’t stop. Example: “I’m addicted to that show. I binged the entire season in two days.”

It’s my thing. A casual way to say something is exactly what you enjoy or what matches your style. Example: “Hiking in the mountains? That’s totally my thing.”

Expressing Liking Through Appearance or Growth

It looks good. A simple, visual way to express approval. Example: “You got a haircut!” “Thanks. It looks good, right?”

It looks fantastic. A more emphatic version. Example: “Your garden is blooming beautifully this year.” “Thanks! It looks fantastic now.”

It sounds good. Expressing approval of something you hear or a plan. Example: “We’re thinking of going to the beach tomorrow.” “That sounds good to me.”

It sounds great. A warmer, more enthusiastic version. Example: “Let’s meet for coffee at the new place downtown.” “That sounds great!”

I fancy it. British English meaning “I like it” or “I want it.” Example: “Do you fancy a piece of cake?” “Yes, I fancy some chocolate cake.”

I’ve grown to like it. A gradual expression — you didn’t like it at first, but now you do. Example: “I hated olives as a kid, but I’ve grown to like them.”

I didn’t like it at first, but now I do. An explicit way to acknowledge a change of heart. Example: “This song seemed strange the first time I heard it, but I didn’t like it at first, and now I do.”

I like the idea of it. Expressing support for a concept or plan, even if you haven’t experienced it yet. Example: “Taking a sabbatical to travel? I like the idea of it.”

Slang and Informal Enthusiasm

This is totally sick! Youth slang meaning “This is awesome!” — commonly used in North America. Example: “Check out my new skateboard deck!” “This is totally sick!”

This is wicked! British slang for “This is great!” Example: “We won the match 3-0!” “That’s wicked!”

It goes down well with him/her. An idiom meaning someone likes and approves of something. Example: “The birthday dinner went down well with my mother.”

I’m attached to it. An affectionate way to express that something matters to you emotionally. Example: “I know the watch is old, but I’m attached to it — my grandfather gave it to me.”

19 Ways to Express Disliking Something

Now let’s turn to the negative side. These phrases help you express mild indifference all the way to strong dislike.

Expressing Mild Indifference or Disinterest

That’s not for me. A polite, non-offensive way to decline or express that something isn’t your style. Example: “Would you like to try skydiving?” “No thanks, that’s not for me.”

I’m not into it. A casual, modern way to say you’re not interested. Example: “Are you watching the football match?” “No, I’m not into sports.”

I’ll pass. A quick, polite way to decline. Example: “Want to go to the disco?” “I’ll pass. I’d rather stay home.”

I’m not fond of it. The opposite of “I’m fond of it” — formal and polite. Example: “I’m not fond of cilantro. Can we remove it from the salad?”

I’m disinterested in that. A formal way to express lack of interest. Example: “The CEO made several points about cost-cutting, but honestly, I’m disinterested in those details.”

I’m impartial about that. Showing neutrality — you have no strong opinion either way. Example: “Do you prefer tea or coffee?” “I’m impartial. Either one is fine.”

I dislike it. A direct, honest statement. Example: “I dislike horror movies. They make me nervous.”

Expressing Moderate Dislike

I’m not crazy about it. A softer way to express dislike without being harsh. Example: “How do you like the new paint color?” “I’m not crazy about it. I think I preferred the old one.”

I’m not a big fan of it. A common, friendly way to say you don’t care for something. Example: “I’m not a big fan of spicy food. Do you have milder options?”

I’m not keen on it. More formal than “not a big fan”; often British English. Example: “I’m not keen on air travel. It makes me anxious.”

It doesn’t tickle my fancy. A playful idiom meaning it doesn’t appeal to you. Example: “The proposal doesn’t tickle my fancy. Let’s explore other options.”

It’s not my cup of tea. A classic idiom meaning something isn’t your style or preference. Example: “Reality TV isn’t my cup of tea. I prefer documentaries.”

That’s not my thing. A casual way to say something doesn’t match your interests. Example: “Competitive gaming? That’s not my thing. I play games for fun, not to win.”

I don’t appreciate that. A more formal way to express disapproval or discomfort. Example: “I don’t appreciate the negative comments about my work.”

Expressing Strong Dislike

I can’t stand it. An emphatic way to express strong negative feeling. Example: “I can’t stand loud noise. Can you please turn down the music?”

I can’t bear it. Similar to “can’t stand it” but with more emotional weight. Example: “I can’t bear to watch sad movies. They upset me too much.”

I hate it. The strongest direct statement of dislike. Example: “I hate rush hour traffic. It makes me stressed.”

I’m sick of it. An emphatic way to say you’re tired of something and fed up. Example: “I’m sick of this project. It’s been delayed three times already.”

I’ve had enough of it. A definitive statement that you’re done with something. Example: “I’ve had enough of the drama. I’m moving on to a new team.”

Common Mistakes and How to Fix Them

✗ Incorrect: “I am liking this movie so much.” (present continuous, wrong)

✓ Correct: “I really like this movie.” (simple present)

Why: “Like” is a stative verb (expresses a state, not an action), so we use simple present, not present continuous.

✗ Incorrect: “I’m not interesting in that sport.”

✓ Correct: “I’m not interested in that sport.”

Why: Use the past participle “interested” (describing the person’s state), not the present participle “interesting” (describing what causes interest).

✗ Incorrect: “It’s not my cup of coffee.”

✓ Correct: “It’s not my cup of tea.”

Why: The idiom specifically uses “tea,” not “coffee.” This is a fixed expression in English.

✗ Incorrect: “I am addicted with social media.”

✓ Correct: “I am addicted to social media.”

Why: The preposition “to” follows “addicted,” not “with.”

Sample Dialogue

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