Like to vs like

[ramanji]

Which of the following sentences is correct?

I like to stick to my goals.

I like sticking to my goals.

[riverkid]

Originally Posted by ramanji

Which of the following sentences is correct?

I like to stick to my goals.

I like sticking to my goals.

Both are correct, Ramanji and both are commonly used.

[susiedqq]

In sentence #1, to stick to my goals is an infinitive phrase introduced by to stick.
In sentence #2, sticking to my goals is a participial phrase introduced by the participle sticking.
They are both correct.

[ramanji]

Do they differ in meaning in any way?

[Anglika]

None whatsoever.

[riverkid]

Originally Posted by ramanji

Do they differ in meaning in any way?

As Anglika noted, the meanings are the same. The late, great linguist, Dwight Bolinger proposed that the infinitive denotes a more distant, a "not at the present moment realized" action while the 'ing' form had a tendency to be used more in the moment of the action.

I like camping - said while camping

I like to camp - said while not camping

I think that measured for overall frequency, this idea may have some merit but it must be noted that we aren't in any way prohibited/prevented from using either form at any particular time. Mr Bolinger mentioned that too. I don't know of any studies that have tested this hypothesis.