like to do different from like doing?
Posted: Sat Jul 30, 2005 5:32 pm
I was amazed, not to say, intrigued, when I saw this in a book I'm using to coach someone for an internationally recognized English text:
Then here's the answer the book gives:
Besides, if Gavin likes to get up early so he can get to work before rush hour starts, and that doesn't necessarily mean that he likes it, does he really like it, in the strictest sense of the word?
A British grammar book I consulted said that like can be followed by either the ing or the infinitive, with no difference in meaning, then it goes on to say that sometimes (my quote), they may not be interchangeable.
Flummoxed dude
The answers are obvious, given the context.Gavin likes getting up early because it's so quiet.
Pete likes to get up early so he can get to work before the rush hour starts.
Who enjoys getting up early? Who chooses to get up early, but may not particularly enjoy it?
Then here's the answer the book gives:
I don't know. This doesn't feel right. This book I'm using is British, that's why I have to really get prepared for a class, otherwise I could be caught with my pants down. This is probably a differentiation that only the Brits make?Gavin enjoys getting up, Pete chooses to get up. Like + -ing means 'to enjoy', like + infinitive means 'you think it is a good idea and you do it if possible.
Besides, if Gavin likes to get up early so he can get to work before rush hour starts, and that doesn't necessarily mean that he likes it, does he really like it, in the strictest sense of the word?
A British grammar book I consulted said that like can be followed by either the ing or the infinitive, with no difference in meaning, then it goes on to say that sometimes (my quote), they may not be interchangeable.
Flummoxed dude