|
ESL Forum:
Techniques and methods
in Language Teaching
Games, activities
and teaching ideas
Grammar and
Linguistics
Teaching material
Concerning
worksheets
Concerning
powerpoints
Concerning online
exercises
Make suggestions,
report errors
Ask for help
Message board
|
ESL forum >
Grammar and Linguistics > grammar doubt
grammar doubt
|
misseleonora
|
grammar doubt
|
|
just needing an explanation for the difference between like + ing and like+ infinitive. I always teach my students it must be like+ing but the truth is see like +infinitive in books too. I know that both are right, but i don�t really know if there is a difference. Thanks.
|
29 Apr 2010
|
|
|
|
Lina Ladybird
|
|
Hi, dear Eleonora! :))
Take a look at these websites:
http://www.usingenglish.com/forum/ask-teacher/27528-like-infinitive-gerund.html
http://forum.wordreference.com/showthread.php?t=74694
On the latter one I especially liked these explanations:
The gerund is usually used if someone asks you "What do you like doing?" However, if you are just mentioning your inclination for the first time, it would be more common (than in the first case) to use the infinitive.There �s not really a rule set in stone; context might determine which form is preferred.
AND
I�m not a native but i have studied a rule that may help you.
Both are correct, you can use gerund when you speak in general and infinitive for a particular situation. Which sport do you like? I like swimming.(In general)
I like to swim in the mornings.(Particular situation)
Regards.
Wait for a native opinion but that is what English grammar books say.
I hope this helps you to understand the slight difference! :))))
Best wishes � Silke
|
29 Apr 2010
|
|
|
misseleonora
|
|
Thanks Topolina! I agree with you, though I ve seen infinitive to talk about general likes sometimes . . . anyway no native has showed up yet =) Thanks again for your thorough response. |
29 Apr 2010
|
|
|
sonicliz
|
|
Native Speaker here:
"like" can be followed by a gerund or infinitive.
however, "dislike" can only be followed by a gerund. |
29 Apr 2010
|
|
|
trelly
|
Hi! As far as I remember from my grammar classes, you use like + gerund when you actually DO the action. When the infinitive follows, it implies that you WANT to do something.
Hope it �s useful!
|
29 Apr 2010
|
|
|
mcolon
|
|
Topolina is right. Both forms are correct but what you can �t do is like mixing both forms (you should follow the same gramatical structure.
For example: I like to swim, to draw, going shopping, and going to the movies (Incorrect0
Correct: I like to swim, to draw, to go to the shopping, and to go to the movies.
Hope it helps! |
29 Apr 2010
|
|
|
|
|
Apodo
|
that should be to go shopping, NOT the shopping 
EXAMPLE: I do the shopping every Thursday, but I don �t like shopping when it �s crowded.
OR I do my shopping " " "
I like to go shopping early in the morning.
I like to do the shopping " " "
I don �t like to go shopping when it �s crowded.
I don �t like to do the shopping when it �s crowded.
|
30 Apr 2010
|
|
|
