16-Jul-2007, 12:43
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 Re: How to explain: Would you like to play / would you like playing
 Quote:
Originally Posted by MikeNewYork  The verb like can take either the gerund or the infinitive, usually with little to know difference in meaning. In some cases, the infinitive is a bit more theoretical than the gerund, but with eating ice cream or playing tennis, the difference is miniscule.
In your second sentence the difference starts to express itself. With the "to form", the question makes more sense. How could someone know if they would like going out with someone unless they have already tried it? The infinitive form makes it more of a concept than an experience. In that same fashion, if two people are already dating, only the gerund form will work: Do you like going out with me? | |