Thread: I like it more/I like it better

What's the best to use?

And two main questions:
a) Does "I like it more" sound natural to native speaker or it's just a Russicism?
b) Does "I like it better" sound childish? I see that phrase often in books but almost exclusively when child is talking.

Thanks.

Originally Posted by gRomoZeka

What's the best to use?

And two main questions:
a) Does "I like it more" sound natural to native speaker or it's just a Russicism?
b) Does "I like it better" sound childish? I see that phrase often in books but almost exclusively when child is talking.

Thanks.

O.K.... comparisons in English.

Both are O.K. in spoken English, and neither are childish. "I like this more"... and "I like this better"... are O.K. No worries.

Depends on the situation. "I like it/this better" sounds as a response to a question, to compare things.

Most native English-speakers would say "I like this more", or "I like this better"... when you are shown multiple choices.

"it" would be used in answering a direct question about a specific thing.

"Do you like it (Jiffy Peanut Butter) better than that (Skippy Peanut Butter)?"

As for grammar, I would use [color=green]"I like it/this more."[/color]
But "better" is O.K., everyone will understand you.

Originally Posted by Dobry

Most native English-speakers would say "I like this more", or "I like this better"... when you are shown multiple choices.

"it" would be used in answering a direct question about a specific thing.

"Do you like it (Jiffy Peanut Butter) better than that (Skippy Peanut Butter)?"

Thanks, Dobry. I love your posts. A lot of useful info, as always.

But I'm confused a little bit about "this" and "it". There is a choice in the example with peanut butter as well.
Could you give any examples with "this"?

As I understood it, "this" is more universal and usually is used when talk about abstract things. Right?

Originally Posted by gRomoZeka

Thanks, Dobry. I love your posts. A lot of useful info, as always.

But I'm confused a little bit about "this" and "it". There is a choice in the example with peanut butter as well.
Could you give any examples with "this"?

As I understood it, "this" is more universal and usually is used when talk about abstract things. Right?

A minor difference in English usage. Both words can be used both for items, and for the abstract (such as ideas).

In most situations you can use "it" (when everyone knows what "it" is...), and you can use "this" when you are wanting everyone to "see" what object or item or idea you are identifying.

"It" is used, usually, when both speakers understand the thing that "it" is. For example... I put a piece of chocolate on the table, in front of you.

"Do you like it?"... I ask you... my question is "do you like the chocolate"?

The "it" (the chocolate) is known, understood and seen, by both of us. "Do you like it?"

There is not much difference between "it" and "this"

Now... I place 2 loaves of хлеб on the table. One хлеб is white, the other хлеб is black. I ask you the question and I point to each bread... "Which хлеб do you like... this? (black)... or this? (white)"

No worries... you can use the word "it" when you and the people you are with, all understand the "thing"... you can use the word "this" when you are holding, showing, pointing, using a "thing." "Do you like this?"

I hope I haven't confused you.

Thanks.