Dave's ESL Cafe's Student Discussion Forums

[erik19283]

Hello,

How would you explain the difference in meaning between using the verb "like" followed by an infinitive verb or a gerund?

To me, it's not that clear all the time, if not most of the time. Therefore, whoever answers, please, check my post again later on because I may ask you questions about your answer.
I already think not everything will be clear in my mind.

[Kristea]

Good question. I will give this a try...

"like + infinitive"

This is when the word "like" is being used as a verb. "I like to swim."

"like + gerund"
This is when the word "like" is being used to express the idea "for example/similar to."
"for example" = "I enjoy water sports like swimming."
"similar to" = "A Stairmaster is like climbing a never ending flight of stairs."

Hope this helps and I will check back for further questions - Kristi
_________________
"That man is a success who has lived well, laughed often and loved much." R.L. Stevenson

[erik19283]

Hello again... especially Kristea,

I'm sorry, I think I wasn't clear enough when I first posted my question. What I meant was more like how the meaning of these would be different:
1) I like dancing.
2) I like to dance.

3) I like eating apples.
4) I like to eat apples.

5) I like swiming.
6) I like to swim.

How is the meaning different from the verb to the gerund?
Is there a rule about this? (I guess so!)
What is more commonly used, if anything?

The "like + gerund" you already kindly explained was already understood. Maybe I use a wrong explanation of my question when I talked about "gerund" If so, please correct me.

[Kristea]

Hey =

Thanks for clarifying the question.

You are getting at the "Bolinger principle." (An actual linguist has a theory on this very issue that is pretty straight forward, and that I think will help you.) So to my grammar book we go - there explaination is better than what I would give you.

The theory is this...

The infinitive usually expresses something "hypothetical, furture, unfulfilled."
1. I like to dance. (but I don't dance often)
2. I like to eat apples. (but only in the fall)
3. I like to swim. (but only when it is warm)

The gerund expresses something "real, vivid, fulfilled."
1. I like dancing. (so why don't we go to the club)
2. I like eating apples. (for lunch)
3. I like swimming. (in the morning)

If the meanings above are not in question because larger converstation context dictates a certain understanding, I dont think native speakers favor one over the other.

My advice...stick with Bolinger if possible as native speakers do it natually. (However, don't worry - most native speakers don't know they are even doing this. Such is the world of linguistics.)

Hope this helps - Kristi
_________________
"That man is a success who has lived well, laughed often and loved much." R.L. Stevenson

[JuanValdez]

I'm impressed.