I like reading or I like to read? I like singing or I like to sing? Like + infinitive or
like + verb + ing. Does it mean the same thing or is it different?
It can be different. There are 3 differences.
But sometimes it's the same.
Confused? I'll explain.
Before we look at the differences. Let's look at when it's the same.
When you are talking an activity you enjoy, you can use either
Like + infinitive or Like + verb + ing
Without any change in meaning.
For example, "I like reading" or "I like to read"
It's the same. However, in British English
It's more idiomatic to say "I like reading"
So if you're learning British English I encourage you to use that form.
Same with "I like travelling", "I like learning new languages", "I like playing chess" etc etc.
Ok now that's clear let's look at the differences.
So there are 3 cases when we can use one but not the other form.
So like + verb + ing can mean the action in general. However,
like + infinitive can mean performing the action, doing the action
So when I say "I like reading"
There is no difference between enjoying the action and performing the action.
But what about "I Iike skating" and "I like to skate"? Yes I like skating when it's on TV during
the Olympics. I watch skating However, I don't like to skate. I don't like to perform
the action itself. What about "I like singing"?
I like singing - I like listening to people sing But I don't like TO sing and no one else like
me to sing either my voice is terrible.
So like + verb + ing the action in general (enjoying or doing)
like + infinitive can mean performing the action
We use like + infinitive to talk about habits. customs and preferred behaviour.
this can be about yourself or a group of people.
For example, "In China they like to eat with chopsticks."
- this does not mean that they enjoy using chopsticks.
No it means that it is their habit or custom
In France they like to eat bread with every meal
You can use it about yourself too
so for example, "I like to do exercise
before breakfast". - it's not a pleasure for me to do exercise it's a lot of hard work.
but it suits my lifestyle so I say "I like to do exercise"
"I like to go to the dentist every six months" I don't enjoy seeing the dentist.
but it's my preferred behaviour
These days I like to wake up early - it suits me to wake up early.
In the negative it works too for example: "I don't like to eat too much sugar" this behaviour is better for me
of course I like cake but. my preferred behaviour is NOT too eat sugar so I say "I don't
like to eat to much sugar" (with the infinitive)
Sometimes we want to talk about current states in situations. If you are
happy with your current state or situation then use like + verb + ing.
Here are some examples.
I like having a beard.
With you're nationality you'd use this like + verb+ ing
because it's a state
I like being British
or your job
I like being a teacher
This rule also works with "dislike", "hate" and "love".
I love being married
I hate living in such a small apartment.
So we use this like + verb + ing to talk about a fixed situation or long term.
So there you are now. I hope you like watching our videos more coming soon.