Should you say what would you like or what do you like?
You remember that I would (I’d) like is a more polite way to say what you want than I want. However, someone may just want to know, in general, what you like. Then you may hear, “What do you like?” You might answer that, in general, you like something: “I like coffee because it helps me wake up.”
If someone asks you what you would like, they are asking what you want to eat or drink at that moment. If they ask you what you like, it is a general question about your preferences. Examples:What would you like, tea or coffee? I’d like a coffee, please; I’m feeling really sleepy so I need something to wake me up.
What do you like: tea, coffee, or soda? I like coffee best, but the caffeine keeps me awake.
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