Excited to play/ Excited to be playing

[Dominik92]

Hello all!

I am a big fan of Federer whose English is really good. But the thing which confuses me a bit is that he uses: I am excited to play for future meaning e.g. when he is excited to play Hewitt tonight.

Why does it confuse me a bit?

My native speaker from America told me I can use it this way:

1) -I am excited to play - in general e.g. I am excited to play at Wimbledon (not now but every year...it excites me)

2) -I am excited to be playing - right now, or in the future

My teacher from the Czech Republic agrees with him but still I am curious to know if I really can´t use (1) for future meaning or when it is happening right now. If yes would it be grammatically correct?

Thank you!

 

[probus]

Federer could use either and be perfectly understood by everybody, because of context. Your American friend has correctly identified the slight difference that native speakers hear: "to be playing" means only "in the upcoming tournament", whereas "to play" might also be used in other contexts.

 

[Tdol]

If yes would it be grammatically correct?

I wouldn't say it's an error, but to be playing is much more natural. I'd follow the patterns your friend and teacher recommended.