[Grammar] What is it like + the infinitve

[Checkmate]

"What is it like to be a bat?"

"What is it like to die?"

Why do these speakers use the infinitive in these questions?

 

[emsr2d2]

What would you suggest as an alternative?

 

[Checkmate]

What would you suggest as an alternative?

I would say "What is being a bat like?" or "What is it like?" instead.

 

[Matthew Wai]

"What is it like?"

Do you mean 'What is it like being a bat'?

Not a teacher.

 

[Checkmate]

Do you mean 'What is it like being a bat'?

Not a teacher.

I'm not accustomed to using the gerund or the infinitive in 'what is it like' question. Do people use them to explain the meaning of 'it'?

 

[Matthew Wai]

'What is it like to be a bat?'
'It is like being a flying mouse to be a bat.'
'To be a bat is like being a flying mouse.'
'It' refers to 'to be a bat'.

Not a teacher.