Like

   Share on Facebook  
Belly  #398726  Tue, 31 Jul 07 06:33 AM

I wonder what is the difference between Like+ to infinitive and Like +gerund

Anyone could help?

  
Top 150 Contributor
Joined on Mon, Feb 19 2007
Regular Member (591)
Cool Breeze  #398847  Tue, 31 Jul 07 02:45 PM
Hi Stomach... Belly

1. I would like to go now.
- After would like the infinitive is normally used.

2. I like to swim/swimming.
- After like both the infinitive and the gerund are used. After the analogy of No. 1, many usage experts say the infinitive should be used to refer to a single specific instance and the gerund should be used when the reference isn't to a specific instance. Actual usage does not verify this.

3. There is nothing like eating when you are hungry.
- The gerund is used when like isn't a verb.

Cheers
CB
  
Top 50 Contributor
Joined on Fri, Apr 7 2006
Helsinki, Finland
Senior Member (2,851)
Proficient SpeakerTrusted Users
The coldest winter I ever spent was a summer in San Francisco.- Mark Twain
AddThis Feed Button RSS Feed: ESL General English Grammar Questions
© 2008 MediaCET Ltd.
Terms and Conditions & Terms of Service