Day 255: Save would like for actions with conditions.

When you say you would like to do something, you imply that you won’t do it unless some condition has been met. Here’s the first problem. Many writers use would like to discuss an action that they will do or are already doing. Consider this sentence.

“I would like to express my appreciation for your generosity.”

As the reader, I ask, “Ok, if you would like to express it, then why aren’t you expressing it?” This sentence implies a condition for your action. In fact, you are expressing your appreciation, so the phrase would like is incorrect. Instead of writing that you would like to do something, just do it. This sample can be revised as

广告：个人专属 VPN，独立 IP，无限流量，多机房切换，还可以屏蔽广告和恶意软件，每月最低仅 5 美元

“Thank you for your generosity.”

The other major misuse of would like regards the writer’s interest or desire. Consider this sentence.

“I would like the pastrami sandwich.”

You are not expressing a condition here (“I would like it if . . .”); you are expressing a desire. Thus, the sentence can be revised as follows:

“I want the pastrami sandwich.”