I like (verb+ ing) / I like (to + verb)

Worksheet: Understanding "Like to" vs "Like + Verb-ing" (Gerunds and Infinitives)

Part 1: Explanation

1. Like + to + base verb (infinitive):

   • Use "like to" when talking about habits, routines, or preferences in general.

   • Example:

     • I like to drink coffee in the morning. (Habit)

     • She likes to exercise every day. (Routine)

2. Like + verb-ing (gerund):

   • Use "like + verb-ing" when emphasizing the enjoyment of the action itself.

   • Example:

     • I like drinking coffee in the morning. (Enjoyment of the act of drinking)

     • She likes exercising because it makes her feel good. (Enjoyment of exercising)

Key Difference:

• "Like to" = preference or habit.

• "Like + verb-ing" = enjoyment or focus on the action.

Part 2: Fill in the Blanks

Instructions: Complete each sentence with the correct form: like to or like + verb-ing.

1. I ______ (read) books before bed because it helps me relax.

2. My father ______ (go) fishing early in the morning.

3. They ______ (play) soccer because it’s fun.

4. She ______ (watch) movies on weekends with her family.

5. We ______ (try) new restaurants whenever we travel.

6. He ______ (dance) salsa—it’s his favorite hobby!

7. The students ______ (listen) to music while they study.

8. I ______ (cook) dinner for my family every night—it’s a routine I enjoy.

9. Do you ______ (ride) bikes, or do you prefer walking?

10. I don’t ______ (stay) up late because I need my sleep.

Part 3: Match the Use

Instructions: Match each sentence with its meaning:
a) Habit or preference
b) Enjoyment of the action

1. She likes to swim in the ocean. ______

2. She likes swimming in the ocean. ______

3. We like to visit our grandparents every Sunday. ______

4. We like visiting our grandparents because it’s always fun. ______

5. He likes to write stories in his free time. ______

6. He likes writing stories because it makes him feel creative. ______

Part 4: True or False

Instructions: Read the sentences. Write True if the form is used correctly, or False if it is not.

1. She likes to jogging in the park. ______

2. They like to eat pizza every Friday. ______

3. He likes dancing at parties with his friends. ______

4. I like painting pictures because it’s relaxing. ______

5. We like to watch TV before going to bed. ______

6. He likes read books on history. ______

Part 5: Writing Practice

Instructions: Write sentences about your own habits or hobbies using "like to" and "like + verb-ing".

Part 6: Conversation Practice

Instructions: Pair up with a classmate and ask each other the following questions. Use both "like to" and "like + verb-ing" in your answers.

1. What do you like to do on weekends?

2. Do you like watching movies or reading books? Why?

3. Is there a sport or activity you like doing in your free time?

4. Do you like to cook or eat out?

5. What’s something new you’d like to try?

Bonus Exercise: Sentence Transformation

Instructions: Rewrite the sentences, changing from "like to" to "like + verb-ing" or vice versa.

1. I like swimming at the beach. ➡ _______________________________

2. They like to play video games on weekends. ➡ _______________________________

3. She likes painting landscapes in her free time. ➡ _______________________________

4. We like to go hiking during the holidays. ➡ _______________________________

5. He likes traveling to new countries. ➡ _______________________________