Cool MateI've always had a thing for vs Like
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
I've always had a thing for
InformalTop 2,000 (common)
Like
High-frequency chunkA1preposition
Most formal: LikeMost common: Like
| I've always had a thing for | Like | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 //aɪv ˈɔɪl.weɪz hæd ə θɪŋ fə//🇺🇸 //aɪv ˈɔl.weɪz hæd ə θɪŋ fɔr// | 🇬🇧 /["/laɪk/"]/🇺🇸 /["/laɪk/"]/ |
| Meaning | I have always liked | to enjoy or be pleased by something |
| Example | I've always had a thing for classic cars. | I like chocolate ice cream. |
| Register | Informal | Neutral |
| How common | Top 2,000 (common) | High-frequency chunk |
| CEFR level | - | A1 |
| Part of speech | preposition | |
| Collocations | have a thing for someone, have a thing for something, always had a thing, thing for fashion, thing for adventure | like to eat, like a friend, like doing, like music, like the weather |
| Antonyms | - | dislike, hate, detest |
| Common mistakes | Using it in a formal context where it sounds too casual., Confusing it with 'I've always liked' without noting the emphasis on ongoing interest., Incorrectly adding a specific person or thing that isn't typically associated with 'thing'. | Omitting the object, e.g. 'I like' instead of 'I like pizza'., Using 'like' in place of 'such as' when giving examples., Confusing 'like' with 'as' in comparative sentences. |
| Usage notes | This phrase is often used in casual conversations to express a fondness for someone or something. It's not suitable for formal writing or speeches. | Used to express enjoyment or preference. Can be informal in casual conversations, but it's also suitable for formal situations. Avoid using in very formal writing or speeches. |
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Frequently asked questions: I've always had a thing for vs Like
What's the difference between I've always had a thing for and Like?
I've always had a thing for: I have always liked Like: to enjoy or be pleased by something
Which is more formal: I've always had a thing for and Like?
Like is the most formal of these.
Which is more common: I've always had a thing for and Like?
Like is the most common in everyday English.
Can you show an example of each?
I've always had a thing for: I've always had a thing for classic cars. Like: I like chocolate ice cream.
Can I use I've always had a thing for and Like interchangeably?
Not always. I've always had a thing for and Like 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.