10 ways to say you don’t like something

Imagine someone does something you do not like. Saying “I don’t like it” or “I don’t like this” can sound a little bit childish. So today we will learn a couple of ways to say “I don’t like it” more maturely.

1. I dislike it

The most similar way of saying “I don’t like it”. It can also seem very direct and could cause offense to some people.

For example:

I dislike the way he talks to me

Greta dislikes the taste of pistachio ice cream

2. I’m not into it

This sentence is more casual. Saying you are not into something means you do not find it interesting or attractive.

For example:

I’m not into skinny jeans this season

James asked Irina to go with him to the football game but she’s not into football, she likes rugby

3. I’m not fond of it

“To be fond of” means having a liking for or love of something or someone. So, not to be fond of something means you don’t like it very much. It is also quite informal.

For example:

Since Ben had the accident, he’s not very fond of going skiing

I’m not fond of combining purple with orange

4. I’m not crazy about it

This sentence is similar to the one above, “to not be fond of something”.

For example:

I don’t think Tanya is crazy about working extra hours

Pauline, I’m not crazy about this cake, it tastes strange

5. I don’t appreciate that

This way of expressing dislike is great for professional and serious conversations, as well as for making polite requests. “To appreciate” means to be grateful for something, so what we are saying is “I am not grateful for this situation”. See? A lot more polite.

For example:

I don’t appreciate being shouted at in public

Helen did not appreciate her gift, she thought it was inappropriate

6. It doesn’t tickle my fancy

This is an idiom and it means to amuse, entertain, or appeal to someone; to stimulate someone’s imagination in a good way. So when we say something did not tickle our fancy, it means we did not find it appealing, funny or interesting.

For example:

That comedian’s sense of humour doesn’t tickle their fancy

I love that Halloween party concept but the idea of having blood everywhere doesn’t tickle my fancy, it’s a bit gross

7. I’m disinterested in that

We use this sentence if something simply does not interest us.

For example:

My friends are all disinterested in politics

Her boss is disinterested in all her ideas

8. That’s not for me

A neutral way of explaining that something does not appeal to you, that you are not interested.

For example:

Everyone loves the series Lost but it’s not for me

The new fashion trend of high-wasted skirts is not for me

9. I’m not a big fan of it

“To be a fan of something” is an expression lots of people use and most people understand. But to say “I’m not a big fan” is not as common. Of course, it means we do not like something very much.

For example:

I’m not a big fan of the new James Bond

Don’t ask her to go to the Japanese restaurant! She’s not a fan of sushi

10. I’ll pass

This is a quick way of saying we are not interested in a suggestion.

For example:

Do you want to come to the pub?” “Nah, thanks, I’ll pass

Who wants to participate in this project?” “I have too much work right now, I’ll pass, thanks

As you will all see from today’s post, English has a variety of ways of saying that you don’t like something. This is what English is like in general. If you would like to continue learning English, you should sign up to the free ABA English course where you will get free access to 144 video classes ranging in level from beginner to advanced among access to other learning resources too.

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