what's the difference?

[Martha Rinas]

Dear friends,
I'd like to know the difference between "I like black coffee" and "I like my coffee black.
thanks,
martha Rinas

[BaRBiTcH]

I am a non-native, but it sounds like "I like black coffee" is a general statement, like when you're having a conversation and you casually mention that you like black coffee.

"I like my coffee black", although it's also correct, sounds like you're telling, say, a server how you like your coffee (giving specific orders, if you will).

That's just what it sounds like to me, I hope this helps.

[baotruc]

I am a non-native, but it sounds like "I like black coffee" is a general statement, like when you're having a conversation and you casually mention that you like black coffee.

"I like my coffee black", although it's also correct, sounds like you're telling, say, a server how you like your coffee (giving specific orders, if you will).

That's just what it sounds like to me, I hope this helps.

Yes, they are different meaning:

Back = adjustive
Coffe = Noun
black coffee: Adjustive + noun
coffe + sentence + back=Noun + sentence + back
It is the same the sentences blow

The cat click the empty dish
The cat clikc the dish empy

[Delmobile]

BaRBITcH is right---the first sentence means that you like the taste of black coffee. The second means that whenever you drink coffee, you drink it without sugar or milk.

Here are two ways the sentences could be followed:

"I like black coffee...[after dinner, with a rich dessert, but I prefer to drink cafe au lait in the morning.}"

"I like my coffee black...[so even though you're out of milk, I will be able to enjoy a cup of coffee.]"

[native speaker, not a teacher]