What's to like vs What's not to like

Both phrases are correct, but they convey slightly different meanings. 'What's to like?' is a question asking about the positive aspects of something, while 'What's not to like?' is a rhetorical question implying that there are no negative aspects to be found. The choice between them depends on whether you want to focus on the positive or emphasize the absence of negatives.

Last updated: March 27, 2024 • 651 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to inquire about the positive aspects of something.

"What's to like"

This phrase is used to ask about the appealing or positive qualities of a person, thing, or situation.

Examples:

I just watched that movie. What's to like about it?
She's such a kind person. What's to like?
The new restaurant has great food. What's to like there?

Show examples from the web [+]

What's to like about it?
Well, what's to like?
- What's not to like about Vince?
I-I know what it's like to be in love.
What it's like to want something back that you love.
You don't know what it's like to feel completely frustrated.
Claire... is what it's like to actually kill someone.
Claire... is what it's like to actually kill someone.
I know what it's like to struggle with addiction.
You don't understand what it's like to have a child completely dependent on you.
What it's like to be a player.
I know what it's like to leave somebody without saying goodbye.
I know what it's like to be an outcast.
I wonder what it's like to be dead.
Tonight, you will learn what it's like to be like us.
But I know what it's like to be exploited.
You'll never understand what it's like to be me.
That somebody out there knows what it's like to be in here.
I forgot what's it like to have all that freedom to waste.
Simone, I know what it's like to be betrayed.

Alternatives:

What do you like about it?
What makes it appealing?
What are the positive aspects?

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to suggest that there are no negative aspects to be found in something.

"What's not to like"

This phrase is used rhetorically to imply that there are no reasons to dislike or find fault with a person, thing, or situation.

Examples:

They have free food and drinks at the event. What's not to like?
The weather is perfect for a picnic. What's not to like?
The movie is funny, entertaining, and heartwarming. What's not to like?

Show examples from the web [+]

- Don't be daft. What's not to like?
What's not to like? I'm an actor.
I like her. I mean, what's not to like?
What's not to like about paella?
- What's not to like about Vince?
Kill white folks, and they pay you for it? What's not to like?
- What's not to like?
What's not to like about that?
- What's not to like!
I don't get it. What's not to like?
I don't get t. What's not to like?
You make a bit, I make a bit. What's not to like?
15 fingers... what's not to like?
15 fingers... what's not to like?
So what's not to like?
I mean, what's not to like?
The new Cate thinks, "what's not to like?"
Well, what's not to like?
Popcorn, milk duds, a mouse detective... what's not to like?
Now, what's not to like about that?

Alternatives:

What could be disliked about it?
What reasons are there to dislike it?
Is there anything negative about it?

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What's to like vs What's not to like

"What's to like"

"What's not to like"

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