Like, love, hate + -ing
Talking about likes: like/love/hate/enjoy + -ing (I like swimming), would like + infinitive for wishes
I can talk about likes with -ing forms and order politely with would like.
Look at these examples. Can you spot the grammar pattern?
I love hiking in October - the forests look like they're on fire.
I love hiking in October - the forests look like they're on fire.
I'd like the pumpkin soup and, to be honest, I'd like it now.
I'd like the pumpkin soup and, to be honest, I'd like it now.
Pay attention to the highlighted parts. What do they have in common?
Likes take -ing:
| Verb | Example |
|---|---|
| love ❤❤ | I love cooking. |
| like ❤ | She likes reading. |
| don't mind 😐 | I don't mind waiting. |
| hate 💔 | He hates getting up early. |
Contrast: I like swimming (in general) vs I'd like to swim (now, a polite wish). Would like is the restaurant verb: I'd like a table for two, please.
- *I like swim → I like swimming
- like/would like confused: I like tea (general) vs I'd like tea (order)
Common Error Patterns
Bare infinitive after like
like/love/hate + -ing in general statements
like vs would like collapsed
General taste vs present polite wish
I love hiking in October - the forests look like they're on fire.
I love hiking in October - the forests look like they're on fire.
love + -ing for a general passion.
I'd like the pumpkin soup and, to be honest, I'd like it now.
I'd like the pumpkin soup and, to be honest, I'd like it now.
would like + noun/infinitive: the polite order.
Practice in course
Apply this grammar in A1 course exercises