If you would like for me to do smth

English as a Second Language English Teacher Explanations (ESL Tests)
1

Hi there!

I was literally astounded to see Google find a hell of a lot of phrases like this:

“If you would like for me to do smth…”

Is it a legitimate construction in English?

I’ve always thought it should be “…would like me to do smth for you”

Thanks!

2

The example you found isn’t grammatically correct.

3

Thank you, Beeesneees!

4

Hi Oirobi,

That sort of construction is “legitimate” and idiomatic in English in that it is commonly used – at least it is common in American English. As far as I know, however, this usage is basically unknown in Britain.

I’d say the usage is informal, but it is nevertheless quite natural on the American side of the pond. It would not be at all unusual to hear it in casual conversation. The form without the word ‘for’ is also in common use here.

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[size=75]“Take care to get what you like or you will be forced to like what you get.” ~ George Bernard Shaw[/size]

5

Thank you Mr Esl Expert! ((-$

I thought so, because if you google it, you’ll get a great many search results. But you made it clear and you both made it clear it is not good for formal writing.

For that matter, is it natural to say “allows for deletion of pages”, “allows for deletion of an activity record” instead of the normal “allows deletion of pages”? I presume it’s colloquial too, innit?

Thank you!