Likes and Dislikes

by Ernesto
(Italy)

I'm going to do a Learning Unit and teach my 12-year-old students how to use verbs and phrases expressing likes and dislikes, for instance "love, like, hate, can't stand, don't/doesn't mind" etc.

I'm aware the topic may be pretty difficult because "love, like and hate" can be followed by either the –ing form or the infinitive.

I'd like to make things easier for my kids. Any suggestions?

Thank you very much.
Ernesto


Answer:

Hi Ernesto,

The following is taken from Gerunds and Infinitives.

The basic difference between gerunds and infinitives is the following:

Using a gerund suggests that you are referring to real activities or experiences.

Using an infinitive suggests that you are talking about potential or possible activities or experiences.

So let's say you eat ice cream every day. This is an actual action you are doing. Then you could say, "I like eating ice cream."

On the other hand, if you are on a diet, and you don't usually eat ice cream, then you are talking about a potential action. You could say, "I like to eat ice cream."

Does it describe a concrete action? Then you could use a gerund.

Does it describe a general or potential action? Then you could use an infinitive.

Examples:

"As a painter, I truly love painting."

"I love to paint. I wish I would paint more often."