What is the difference between these sentences?
What is the difference between the following sentences?
- Do you like to watch TV?
- Do you like watching TV?
- Do you like hitting people?
- Do you like to hit people?
I would appreciate an explanation of the nuances in meaning and usage for each pair. Thank you!
5 Answers
Feb 20, 2025
The verb LIKE can be followed by either an infinitive (to—) or a gerund (—+ing). The meaning is the same.
Dec 06, 2024
As far as I can see they are all different ways of saying something.
No difference. Some verbs can be followed by either the infinitive or the present participle without a change in meaning. “Like” is one of those verbs.
Others can only be followed by the infinitive or the present participle:
He wants to watch TV.
Others change meaning:
He stopped watching TV. (he is no longer watching tv)
He stopped to watch TV (he stopped some other activity and started watching TV. )
Related Questions
What are some adjectives that can be used to describe George Washington? I’m looking for more sophisticated vocabulary r...
What is one way that modernist writers utilize unreliable narrators to convey their perspectives on the complexities of...
Aunt Nan took the message for Walter and her. Is "her" a: a. direct object b. indirect object c. object of the prepositi...
I have been told by two different individuals that I am "chistosita," and I would like to understand the meaning of this...
I am working on a project for my Extended School Year program, and I need some adjectives to describe Edgar Allan Poe fo...
Could someone help me come up with a sentence using the word "toil"? I'm struggling to create one. Thank you!
Is the correct phrase "twice in a roll" or "twice in a row"? I often hear people use both versions, but I'm not sure whi...
What does "il était malin, celui qui a inventé ce truc-là" mean in English? This French phrase seems to be praising the...
Please identify the complete adjective clause in the following sentence: "The tree that withstands winter winds is stren...
I have noticed a growing trend in the pronunciation of "sepia" (sēpē-ə) with a soft "e," similar to the "e" in "Septembe...