like + -ing vs like + to — enjoyment vs choice (GiU Unit 58)
Which is right
Section titled “Which is right”If there’s good news and bad news, I like to hear the bad news first. ✓
Choosing an order = preference/decision → like to. Enjoyment of the sound of bad news → not the frame.
The split: experience vs choice
Section titled “The split: experience vs choice”| like + -ing | like + to | |
|---|---|---|
| Meaning | enjoy the activity (real experience) | choose / think it right (decision, habit) |
| Test | “I enjoy it” fits | “I prefer to” fits |
| Example | I like swimming (the experience) | I like to swim before breakfast (my routine) |
Not a tense split — both are present. Both can go past (I liked swimming / I liked to swim) with the same nuance.
-ing = the doing itself (known experience); to = the intention (chosen, forward-looking).
love / like / hate / prefer — same -ing vs to engine
Section titled “love / like / hate / prefer — same -ing vs to engine”| verb | + -ing | + to |
|---|---|---|
| hate | the ongoing state/activity you dislike: She hated living on her own | reluctant specific act: I hate to say this, but… / I hate to interrupt |
| love | I love swimming (enjoy the activity) | I love to swim (same, AmE prefers this — smaller difference) |
| like | I like swimming (enjoy) | I like to swim before breakfast (chosen routine) |
| prefer | I prefer walking (enjoy more) | I prefer to walk (choice — both fine) |
The -ing form = the experience/state (real, ongoing or general). The to form = a specific occasion or a deliberate choice.
Test for hate: is it a standing situation she was living in? → -ing (she hated living on her own). Is it a single reluctant act about to happen? → to (I hate to bother you, but…).
would like — future bites
Section titled “would like — future bites”would like + to only: ✗ I’d like hearing you tomorrow. Future want = to.
Test application
Section titled “Test application”- I like ___ the bad news first → to hear (choice of order)
- I like ___ from old friends → hearing (enjoyable experience)
- I’d like ___ you tomorrow → to see (would-like rule)
Source
Section titled “Source”Raymond Murphy, English Grammar in Use, Unit 58 — Verb + -ing or to… 3. Ebot lesson 2026-09-05.