Decoding the Colloquial Expression: 'I Like Them [Noun]'

In this episode of Easy English Expressions, Coach Shane dives into a linguistic anomaly that often confuses learners: the phrase "I like them [noun]." While grammatically incorrect by formal standards, this construction is a vibrant part of spoken American English, used to convey enthusiasm, delight, and a touch of humor.

The Grammar Paradox

Coach Shane begins by addressing the elephant in the room: grammar. He admits that he typically advises students not to fixate on grammar rules, but this specific expression is a prime example of how native speakers frequently break the rules for stylistic effect.

Technically, when referring to plural objects, one should use the demonstrative pronoun "those"—as in, "I like those hamburgers." However, in casual, conversational English, native speakers substitute "those" with the object pronoun "them." As Coach Shane points out, "It's grammatically horrible," but it is undeniably a common feature of daily speech.

Delivery and Tone: The Key to Success

The most critical takeaway from this lesson is that this expression is not meant to be used in a formal or neutral context. To use it correctly, one must embrace a specific performance style. Coach Shane emphasizes that you should make it "exciting, make it funny, make it silly."

If you say it in a flat or serious tone, it sounds like a mistake. However, when delivered with energy—such as saying, "Oh, I like them hamburgers!"—it becomes a natural, idiomatic expression of enjoyment. The tone acts as a signal to the listener that you are intentionally using a colloquialism rather than failing to understand English grammar.

Practical Application and Examples

The structure follows a simple pattern: "I like them + [plural noun]." Coach Shane provides several scenarios where this can be applied effectively:

• Food Appreciation: When eating something delicious, like homemade muffins, you might exclaim, "Ooh, I like them chocolate muffins."
• Nostalgic Memories: Reflecting on his grandmother’s famous treats, he notes that people would often say, "Oh, I like them cookies," emphasizing the quality and personal connection to the food.
• Giving Feedback: Even in the context of the podcast itself, Coach Shane invites his audience to provide feedback using this structure: "Coach Shane, I like them lessons."

Conclusion: Fluency Beyond Rules

This episode serves as a reminder that mastering English is not just about adhering to the strict rules found in textbooks. Understanding the nuance of "I like them [noun]" allows learners to bridge the gap between textbook English and the way people actually talk in real life. By adopting the right tone and context, learners can use this "grammatically wrong" phrase to sound more natural, expressive, and connected to the rhythms of American English. As Coach Shane concludes, "In daily English, you're going to hear it," so it is better to understand the intent behind the error than to be confused by it.