Like, Love, and Hate
In America, people use the words “like,” “love,” and “hate” for a lot of different situations. The most common use of these words is to describe how you feel about different people, places, and things.
These same words can also describe your feelings about different actions and activities. Also, sometimes people use the words “like” and “love” interchangeably, meaning they use them to mean the same thing. This is also true of the words “dislike,” “don’t like,” and “hate.”
To help you understand the different ways to use these words, I explain some of the most common uses for them below.
“LIKE”
“Like” is a mildly positive feeling you have for anybody or anything, including actions or activities. But, if you have a strong positive feeling, use the word “love” instead.
People
In elementary school through college, if you say you like a member of the opposite sex, that usually means you have a romantic interest in that person. It depends on what else is said in the conversation. For example:
“I like Steve. I think he’s cute.”
When adults say they like someone, whether a member of the opposite sex or not, they usually mean they think that person is nice or that they appreciate some other positive quality in that person. Here are some examples:
“I like Carol. She’s nice.”
“I like Quentin Tarantino. He’s my favorite writer and director.”
“I like New Yorkers. They get right to the point.”
Places and Things
You can use the word “like” to describe mildly pleasant feelings for a place or thing. Here are some examples:
“I like Las Vegas.”
“I like beaches.”
“I like Magic Mountain.”
“I like Mexican food.”
“I like exotic flowers.”
“I like biographies.”
Actions and Activities
The word “like” can also describe everything you enjoy doing or prefer others to do.
“I like hiking in the mountains.”
“I like watching reality TV shows.”
“I like going to my favorite restaurants.”
“I like it when you tell me you’re upset and why.”
“I like it when you make helpful suggestions.”
“I like it when you let me make my own decisions.”
“LOVE”
You can use the word “love” to describe any strong positive feeling you have for anybody or anything, including actions or activities.
People
Whether you are talking about strong romantic attraction or strictly platonic feelings, you can use the same word, “love,” to describe all strong positive feelings you have for friends, family, or romantic interests.
“I love my family. They support me 100% [one-hundred percent].”
“I love John. He’s a dear friend.”
“I love you. You are the love of my life.”
But, “love” can also be used less seriously, as when someone does you a favor and you want to express your appreciation in a somewhat exaggerated way:
“I love you! Thank you so much for doing that for me. You rock!”
Places and Things
You can use the word “love” to describe any strong positive feelings for a place or thing. Here are some examples:
“I love Los Angeles!”
“I love the mountains!”
“I love Disneyland!”
“I love Asian food!”
“I love clean, modern designs!”
“I love self-help books!”
Actions and Activities
The word “love” can also describe everything you very much enjoy doing or strongly appreciate others doing.
“I love hiking the Half Dome trail.”
“I love watching my favorite movies.”
“I love teaching people who really want to learn.”
“I love it when you smile. You look great!”
“I love it when you laugh. It makes me happy.”
“I love it when you listen to my problems without making me feel bad.”
“HATE”
“Hate” is one of the strongest words in the English language. It means strong dislike or negative feelings for anyone or anything, including actions and activities. But, people also use the word “hate” to mean “dislike” or “don’t like.”
People
You can use the word “hate” if you want to talk about strong negative feelings you have for someone. But, be careful! Sharing strong negative opinions about people you know can get someone into trouble, and that someone could be you.
“I hate Sylvia. She is two-faced.”
“I hate Bill. He lied to me and took all my money.”
“I hate rude or pushy people.”
Places and Things
You can use the word “hate” to describe any strong negative feelings for a place or thing. Here are some examples:
“I hate dirty hotels!”
“I hate trendy, expensive restaurants!”
“I hate pet stores with animals in cages!”
“I hate math class!”
“I hate hot, humid days!”
“I hate bad movies!”
Actions and Activities
The word “hate” can also describe everything you dislike doing or don’t like others doing, whether you feel strongly about it or not.
“I hate doing laundry and washing dishes.”
“I hate waiting in long lines, except at Disneyland.”
“I hate listening to people who are boring.”
“I hate it when people start talking about sports. I never know what to say!”
“I hate it when people drive too slowly in the fast lane.”
“I hate it when you won’t tell me what’s bothering you.”
CONCLUSION
Now you can talk at school or work about your favorite and least favorite people, places, things, actions, and activities. Be awesome! Be your own hero!
[For more “Easy Steps to Success with English,” click here.]
