In English, we can use verbs hate, like, love, and prefer with gerund (-ing form) or to-infinitive. In American English, the forms with to-infinitive are much more common than the -ing form.
However, while both these options are correct, there is a small difference between their meanings.
Example
Explanation
I like to cook but I hate washing dishes afterwards.
like to cook (like + to-infinitive) and hate washing (hate + ing form) are both acceptable
Rule 1: We can use the -ing form to put an emphasis on the experience or action and to suggest enjoyment or lack of it.
Example
Explanation
He likes telling jokes, as it makes people smile.
Likes + ing form is used to emphasise the action and suggest the enjoyment of it.
Rule 2: We can use to-infinitive to give more emphasis to the results of the action or event and to express habits or preferences. It is also perceived a more formal and distant option.
Example
Explanation
He's good at telling jokes, he likes to make people smile.
Like + to-infinitive is used to express the result of an experience.
My boss prefers not to wear a tie to work.
Prefer + to-infinitive is used to describe a preference of one's boss.
Note: The -ing form is more common than to-infinitive after verbs hate and love.
Example
Explanation
I love swimming in the rain.
Gerund is more commonly used with the verb love.
Rule 3: When we use would (or its contraction ’d) with the verbs hate, like, love, prefer, we use the to-infinitive, not the gerund.
Example
Explanation
We would hate to cause a problem.
Hate comes after the word would, so we use to-infinitive.
Quiz
1/4
Choose the right form of the verb. We like ___ SNL, it's so funny.
0
correct answers.