Like, Love, Prefer

Common Mistakes

Would you like going to the movies with me?

Would you like to go to the movies with me?

Do you like me to show you how to do it?

Would you like me to show you how to do it?

She doesn’t like when I use a curse word.

She doesn’t like it when I use a curse word.

They prefer living in the country more than living in a town.

They prefer living in the country to living in a town.

I like smoke.

I like smoking / to smoke.

If you don’t mind, I would prefer going to bed.

If you don’t mind, I would prefer to go to bed.

I don’t prefer to go now.

I would prefer not to go now. I would rather not go now.

I don’t like that he eats with his mouth open.

I don’t like him eating with his mouth open.

I like / liked playing tennis. (GB) I like / liked to play tennis. (US)

I would like to play tennis. (GB and US)

I like to play tennis in the morning rather than in the afternoon. (habit)

I like playing tennis with Tom because I always win. (enjoyment)

I don’t like it when she beats me at tennis.

I would prefer to play with Tom than with Rick.

I would prefer not to go alone.

Wouldn’t you prefer to go out to dinner rather than cooking at home tonight?

Generally speaking, use the -ing form after like (and love) and prefer when these verbs are in the present or past, and the infinitive form when they are in the conditional form.

Do not use the present tense with like and prefer when you are asking about a present situation rather than a habitual situation e.g. Would you prefer / like to go now? rather than Do you prefer / like to go now?

After like (and love) use it in expressions such as I like / love it when he holds my hand.

When comparing two items use I prefer x to y. Do not use than in such cases.

There is a subtle (but not very important) difference between, for example, I like + infinitive and I like + ing. The infinitive focuses on my particular habits (i.e. this is what I usually do). The -ing form focuses on my enjoyment of the activity.

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