What's the difference between...?

[bibten]

Hi, here is my question:
What's the difference of meaning, for example, between:

"I like to go to the cinema" and "I like going to the cinema"

So, when do we use "like+to" or "like+ing form"

Thanks in advance!

 

[drake73]

I think there is no difference. There are some verbs that accept both conjugations, and "like" is one of them. Of course, there are permanent expressions such as "would like TO".

 

[Tdol]

In British English, there can sometimes be a distinction; the gerund is used for a general statement and the infinitive can be used for a restricted statement:
I like reading. (general statement)
I like to read before I go to bed. (I don't necessarily like reading at other times)

I believe that this distinction is not made in American English.