4. Expressing Personal Preferences in English

Learn: expressing likes and dislikes is a key element to communicate personal preferences and attitudes. Mastering this language enables more precise self-expression and supports meaningful interaction in English. 

1. Expressing likes. Listen to the examples with each expression. 

be crazy about — expresses an intense enthusiasm or passion for something. Stronger and more emotional than be into

be drawn to — suggests you feel naturally attracted or inclined towards something, often without a clear reason

be hooked on — suggests you are almost “addicted” to something because you enjoy it so much; you can’t stop doing it

be (really) into something — means to be very interested or enthusiastic about an activity, subject, or hobby. It shows strong personal involvement

be keen on — suggests that you like something a lot and often want to do it. It is slightly more formal than be into

find something very enjoyable — a reflective way of saying you get a lot of pleasure from an activity. More neutral and academic in tone

have a preference for — means you like one option more than another, especially in a choice or comparison. It often appears in academic contexts

have a soft spot for — means to have a gentle affection or special liking for something or someone, often for emotional or sentimental reasons

it is one’s kind of thing — an informal way of saying that something suits your taste or interest perfectly

take pleasure in — a slightly formal expression meaning that you actively enjoy or feel satisfied doing something

have no interest in — means you do not care about or pay attention to something, because it does not appeal to you at all

not a big fan of — a softer, more polite way to say you do not really like something

not crazy about — an informal way of saying you do not like something much, though it is not a strong rejection

not drawn to — suggests you do not feel naturally attracted or inclined towards something

not interested in — states directly that something does not attract your attention or curiosity

not into — informal way of saying you don’t like or enjoy something; the opposite of be into

not keen on — a polite way to express that you do not like something very much

strongly dislike — formal and emphatic way to show a very negative feeling towards something

Learn: expressing reason is an essential part of communication, as it allows speakers and writers to explain why something happens or why they hold a particular opinion. Mastering this skill enriches discussions on topics such as hobbies, daily activities, or responsibilities by making arguments clearer and more persuasive. Watch the video.

 

1. "Because" vs. "Because of"
because — conjunction followed by subject + verb
because of — preposition followed by a noun phrase or -ing form
 
2. Alternatives to "Because / Because of"
as — formal synonym for "because". It is followed by a full clause (subject + verb).
due to — often used in formal or written English. It explains the cause of a situation or condition. Grammatically, it modifies nouns (rather than a verb or verb phrase) and is followed by a noun or noun phrase.
due to the fact that — more formal option for "because", followed by a full clause (subject + verb)
since — conjunction, formal option for "because". It is followed by a full clause (subject + verb). 
as a result of — focuses on outcomes/effects. Structure: As a result of + noun / noun phrase.
thanks to — introduces the cause or reason for something. It is followed by a noun phrase (not a full clause). It often implies that the cause had a positive effect. However, it may also be used ironically or negatively, depending on context.
for — literary/poetic synonym for "because". It is a coordinating conjunction when used to express reason. It must be followed by a full clause (subject + verb).
out of — explains reasons linked to feelings/emotions
now that — shows a present reason for a new situation. It is always followed by a full clause (subject + verb).