swim/swimming

Question

HiI would say: I like swimming, however, would it be wrong to say I like to swim? Would the meaning change?

Goodman · Accepted Answer

NewguestHi

I would say: I like swimming, however, would it be wrong to say I like to swim? Would the meaning change?

Newguest,

Both are correct. It depends on the situation you are using it in.

A- What do you like to do on your spare time?

B - I like reading and talking walks at the beach.

In this context, gerund is preferred.

A- What do you like to do? It’s raining and we can’t go to the beach.

B- I like to go to the mall. I need a pair of new shoes.

C- In this case, infinitive is correct, not gerunds.

Newguest · Answer

Hi Goodman!

I understand your first explanation where the gerund is preferred. So, when someone asks WHAT DO YOU LIKE TO DO/LIKE DOING IN YOUR FREE TIME I would say: I like swimming.

However I'm not sure if I understand your second example. Could you try one more time?

Thanks

Kooyeen · Answer

Hi Newguest,
this is how I would modify that example you don't understand. I really didn't like it... maybe it's just me.

A- What do would you like to do? It’s raining and we can’t go to the beach.

B- I'd like to go to the mall. I need a new pair of ~~new~~ shoes.

As for your question, I don't think there's much difference between...
- What do you like to do?
- I like swimming / I like to swim.

There might be a difference in theory, but in practice I feel they are the same.
Just my opinion, anyway.

Goodman · Answer

Ok, Just try this example:

Father: I haven't had a Saturday off for a while. Let's do something together.

Son: Great! Can we go to a matinee and than go to the zoo in the afternoon?

Father: I am afraid we only have time do one or the other. What would you like to do?

Son: I'd like to go the zoo (not going to the movie).

My personal interpretation is, if you use To+verb, you intend to reflect your intent or desire to do something. If you use "verb + ing" or the gerund form, your are expressing the general inclination of somthing. i.e. What do you like to do when you are bored? I like to dance when I am bored = I like the feeling of dancing because it helps me from getting bored. You can say it's "to do" in the question that triggers the infinitive.

On the flip side, if one asked you "what are your hobbies?" you said "I like dancing, going to the movies and playing vedio games". When the question is asked in noun form (hobbies), it 's more proper to use gerund in the reply. Although you will hear people replying with infinitve answers.

It's almost impossible to offer a 100% correct answer to this kind of question because there are exceptions and situations that do adhere to normal grammar rules.

Newguest · Answer

Now it's clearer. Thanks both of you.

Llogan · Answer

Both are correct. One is a gerund (swimming); the other is an infinitive (to swim). They can be used interchangeably.

Here's a link to a lesson on gerunds and infinitives: https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&ved=0ahUKEwjVwcLD8s3YAhUJ7IMKHSpxBZMQFgg2MAA&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.engvid.com%2Fgerund-or-infinitive%2F&usg=AOvVaw3TFARaiFph40ALNrIqX087

swim/swimming

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