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"
due to — formal synonym for "because of"
due to the fact that — more formal option for "because", followed by a full clause (subject + verb)
since — conjunction, formal option for "because"
as a result of — focuses on outcomes/effects
thanks to — can show positive or negative causes
for — literary/poetic synonym for "because"
out of — explains reasons linked to feelings/emotions
now that — shows a present reason for a new situation