Lesson

Verb + -ing or to... (like/would like)

Like patterns

≈ 15 min 8 block(s)

Text

Verb + -ing or to... (like / would like)

This lesson explains when to use a verb + -ing (the gerund) and when to use the to-infinitive after verbs like like and would like. Understanding the difference helps you express habits, enjoyment and polite requests correctly.

  • Use like + -ing to talk about enjoying an activity (e.g., I like swimming).
  • Use like + to-infinitive for habits, choices, or both (e.g., I like to exercise in the morning).
  • Use would like + to-infinitive to express a polite desire or request (e.g., I would like to speak with you).
  • Both forms (like + -ing and like + to) are often possible, but the meaning or emphasis can change.

Table

Structures: Gerund vs To-infinitive (with like / would like)

Pattern Meaning / Use Example
like + -ing Enjoyment or general liking of an activity I like reading business reports.
like + to + base verb Habit, preference, or choice (can overlap with -ing) I like to read early in the morning.
would like + to + base verb Polite desire or request I would like to schedule a meeting on Tuesday.
like + -ing or like + to Both are often acceptable; -ing = enjoyment, to = habit or deliberate choice She likes swimming / She likes to swim before work.

Tip

Key Rule: Like vs Would like

Remember the core differences:

  • Use like + -ing to say you enjoy an activity (action as a noun).
  • Use like + to + verb to indicate a habit or a repeated choice (both forms often correct).
  • Use would like + to + verb to make polite requests or express desires — NOT -ing.

If you're asking politely, always choose 'would like + to'.

Example

Examples in context

I like attending networking events to meet new clients.

She likes working late when she is on a tight deadline.

We like to review reports every Monday to stay organized.

I would like to confirm the date for the presentation.

Tip

Common Mistakes

Avoid these universal errors:

  • Using 'would like' with -ing (Incorrect: I would like meeting you.)
  • Confusing preference/habit meanings and picking the wrong form without thinking about nuance
  • Omitting 'to' after 'would like' (Incorrect: I would like schedule a meeting.)
  • Using base verb after like in statements about enjoyment (Incorrect: I like to swim vs I like swim)

Check whether you mean enjoyment, habit, or a polite request before choosing -ing or to.

Quiz

Choose the correct sentence:

Hint: Think about the structure used for polite requests

Quiz

Complete: I _____ to receive the final report by Friday.

Hint: Think about how to express a polite desire

Quiz

Choose the sentence that best expresses enjoyment of an activity:

Hint: Focus on the form that expresses enjoyment of an action

Key Points

Vocabulary

like

verb CEFR B1 //laɪk//

to enjoy or prefer an activity

I like attending professional workshops.

Expression

would like

expression CEFR B1 //wʊd laɪk//

a polite way to express desire or request (followed by to + verb)

I would like to speak with the project manager.

GrammarPoint

gerund (verb + -ing)

grammar_point CEFR B1 //ˈdʒɛrənd/ or /ˈdʒɛrənd/ (verb + -ɪŋ)/

a verb form ending in -ing used as a noun or after certain verbs

Reading reports helps me stay informed.

GrammarPoint

to-infinitive

grammar_point CEFR B1 //tuː ˌɪnfɪnɪtɪv//

the base verb form preceded by to (to + verb), used after many verbs

We plan to update the document today.

Vocabulary

enjoy

verb CEFR B1 //ɪnˈdʒɔɪ//

to take pleasure in an activity (commonly followed by -ing)

She enjoys preparing presentations for clients.

Vocabulary

preference

noun CEFR B2 //prɪˈfɛrəns//

a greater liking for one alternative over another; can affect choice of -ing or to

Her preference is to work remotely on Fridays.