like + to or -ing

[ophiuchus]

Hi,

is there any difference between saying I like/love singing and I like/love to sing.

Grammar books I've checked say only -ing is correct, however I've heard the combination with to- infinitive quite often, and I can't work out what the difference is.

Thanks

 

[Rover_KE]

They mean the same to me.

Rover

 

[ophiuchus]

Thank you Rover! :-D

 

[Tdol]

In BrE, we sometimes use the infinitive form when the love/like is restricted to certain times or circumstances: I normally hate singing, but I love to sing in the bath.

 

[TheParser]

Hi,

is there any difference between saying I like/love singing and I like/love to sing.

Grammar books I've checked say only -ing is correct, however I've heard the combination with to- infinitive quite often, and I can't work out what the difference is.

Thanks

***** A NON-TEACHER's COMMENT *****


(1) Some authorities (such as Professors D. Bolinger and N.V. So)

feel that there is a slight nuance.

(a) I like to sing. = rather remote, objective; in general.

(b) I like singing. = more immediate, more vivid.

In other words, some native speakers feel that the gerund shows

more emotion and enthusiasm.

For example, you meet someone on the street whom you have not

seen for five years. She was not one of your best friends. After 15

minutes of small talk, you say:

Well, it was nice to see you. Goodbye.

Now contrast this if you had run into your best friend from the

"old days":

OMG! I can't believe it. It was great seeing you again. I'm going to call you tomorrow so that we can meet for lunch. OMG!!!

Respectfully yours,


James

 

[ophiuchus]

Hi,

thank you for these explanations. I'll try to bear them in mind, though my guess is - judging by your use of 'we sometimes use' or 'nuances' - that it is no big mistake to use either one in any case. I hope that's the case!!