This is not a big deal in the grand scheme of things, but it is one of my pet peeves so I will (figuratively) get it off my chest. There is a phrase heard often that goes something like this: ”We would like to take this opportunity to (fill in the blank).” Well, if you would like to, then go ahead and do it. For example, I just saw a television commercial where a furniture store owner said that he “would like to” invite his customers to a big sale. Why not just invite them? That commercial was followed by a news story in which someone stood behind a podium and said that she “would like to” thank the sponsors of a certain event. Why not just thank them? And then there was the receipt of a card stating that the parents “would like to” announce the birth of their new child. Why not just announce it?
There seems to be quite a bit of worry among teachers and linguists that “textese” is causing the death of the english language. Not to worry. Studies prove otherwise. It is the misuse of words and phrases that is the bigger threat.
Phil, I am guessing that in the case of someone behind a podium it is the shortening of someone saying they would like to take the opportunity (assuming they are there for another prime reason) to thank someone.
but other than that, point taken. Not I would like to take the point.