Cool MateEnjoy vs Like this
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Enjoy
Top 1,000 (very common)A1verb
Like this
Top 5,000 (fairly common)
Most common: Enjoy
| Enjoy | Like this | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 /["/ɪnˈdʒɔɪ/","/ɪnˈdʒɔɪz/","/ɪnˈdʒɔɪd/","/ɪnˈdʒɔɪɪŋ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ɪnˈdʒɔɪ/","/ɪnˈdʒɔɪz/","/ɪnˈdʒɔɪd/","/ɪnˈdʒɔɪɪŋ/"]/ | 🇬🇧 //laɪk ðɪs//🇺🇸 //laɪk ðɪs// |
| Meaning | to like or take pleasure in something | To agree with or enjoy something. |
| Example | I really enjoy reading novels in my free time. | I really like this new restaurant downtown. |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 1,000 (very common) | Top 5,000 (fairly common) |
| CEFR level | A1 | - |
| Part of speech | verb | |
| Collocations | enormously, greatly, hugely, be able to, seem to, begin to, enjoy yourself, just enjoy it/something, enormously, greatly, hugely, be able to, seem to, begin to, enjoy yourself, just enjoy it/something | like this one, like this idea, do it like this |
| Antonyms | dislike, hate, detest | - |
| Common mistakes | Using 'enjoy' with gerunds incorrectly; it should be 'enjoy doing' not 'enjoy to do'., Confusing the use of 'enjoy' with 'like' although they have similar meanings, 'enjoy' often implies a deeper appreciation., Omitting the object of 'enjoy' can lead to incomplete sentences. | Using 'like this' without a clear reference., Confusing it with 'such as' in formal writing., Overusing in professional settings. |
| Usage notes | Use 'enjoy' when talking about activities or experiences that are pleasurable. It’s appropriate in both spoken and written contexts but is more common in casual conversation. Avoid in overly formal contexts. | Used in casual conversations to express agreement or approval. May not be appropriate in very formal contexts. |
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Frequently asked questions: Enjoy vs Like this
What's the difference between Enjoy and Like this?
Enjoy: to like or take pleasure in something Like this: To agree with or enjoy something.
Which is more common: Enjoy and Like this?
Enjoy is the most common in everyday English.
Can you show an example of each?
Enjoy: I really enjoy reading novels in my free time. Like this: I really like this new restaurant downtown.
Can I use Enjoy and Like this interchangeably?
Not always. Enjoy and Like this are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.