0
Nathan mckane Posted 16 years ago
Grammar

To swim and swimming

Hi !

What's the difference between these two regarding meaning ?

I like to swim .

I like swimming .

And what about these two ?

To be a teacher is exciting .

Being a teacher is exciting .

Thanks
  

Top answer

The meanings are the same here. The gerund is usually preferred over the infinitive for subjects.

— Mister Micawber

  • The meanings are the same here.
  • The gerund is usually preferred over the infinitive for subjects.
Free · every Monday

Get the Weekly English Kit 📬

New words, one handy idiom, and a 2-minute quiz — delivered to your inbox to keep your streak alive.

3 Answers
0
The meanings are the same here. The gerund is usually preferred over the infinitive for subjects.
0
0
Thanks for the answer . I think You are right about the second two sentences . But I read in a book that when you say I like to swim you actualy mean that you want to swim on that specefic occasion and by saying '' I like swimming'' you are stating that you like it in general .
0
0
The explanation of linguists is that the infinitive carries the concept of potentiality, of the possibility of action, while the -ing form carries the concept of duration, of immediate action. However, your two sentences mean precisely the same to native speakers who are not also linguists: the speaker enjoys the sport.
0

Related Questions