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Like + -ing in English: How to Talk About What You Enjoy
Like + -ing is the most natural way to say what you enjoy doing in English.
Written by Bryan López, Profesor de inglés · Updated
To say what you like doing in English, use like + the verb ending in -ing: I like swimming. I like reading books.
Like + -ing
Like + to + infinitive also exists
"I like to swim" is also correct and means almost the same as "I like swimming," but the -ing form is more common and natural for talking about general likes.
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Practice like + -ing with real audio
Interactive exercises, real pronunciation, and the full lesson taught in English.
Other verbs that work the same way
Love, hate, and enjoy follow the same pattern: I love cooking. I hate waiting. I enjoy dancing. All of them are followed by the -ing form to express likes.
Common mistakes learners make
Always using "like to + infinitive" because it's the more direct translation from other languages. While "like to swim" isn't wrong, "like swimming" is the more natural form and the one taught first.
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Frequently asked questions
How do you use like + -ing in English?
You add the verb ending in -ing right after like: I like swimming, she likes cooking.
What's the difference between like doing and like to do?
They mean almost the same thing. "Like doing" (with -ing) is the more common and natural form for general likes; "like to do" is also correct.
What other verbs go with -ing to express likes?
Love, hate, and enjoy: I love cooking, I hate waiting, I enjoy dancing.
What are some examples of like + -ing?
"I like playing soccer." "She likes watching movies." "They like traveling."
How do you make like + -ing negative?
With don't/doesn't before like: "I don't like waiting." "He doesn't like cooking."
Why do learners use 'like to' instead of 'like -ing'?
Because it's a more direct translation from other languages. Both forms are correct, but "like -ing" is the more natural and commonly used one.
Practice like + -ing with real audio
Interactive exercises, real pronunciation, and the full lesson taught in English.