Like + verb-ing

Talk about likes and dislikes with like, love, enjoy, hate and more, followed by verb-ing.

For teachers:Download worksheet + answer key (PDF)

Explanation

The structure "like + verb-ing" is used to express a preference, enjoyment, or positive attitude towards a specific activity or action.

Structure

"Like + verb-ing" consists of the verb "like" followed by the gerund form of another verb. The gerund form is created by adding "-ing" to the infinitive form of the verb. For example:

I like swimming in the ocean.
They like watching movies on weekends.
She likes reading books before bed.

Here are some common verbs that can be used similarly to "like/dislike + verb-ing" to express preferences or feelings towards an activity:

Enjoy

I enjoy swimming in the ocean.
They enjoy watching movies on weekends.

Love

She loves reading novels in her free time.
We love playing board games together.

Adore

He adores hiking in the mountains.
They adore listening to music while studying.

Prefer

I prefer running over cycling.
She prefers eating out rather than cooking.

Hate

They hate doing household chores.
We hate waking up early in the morning.

Detest

He detests attending social gatherings.
She detests working late hours.

Can't stand

I can't stand waiting in long lines.
They can't stand watching horror movies.

Despise

She despises doing paperwork.
We despise cleaning the house.

Dislike

He dislikes going to the dentist.
They dislike public speaking.

Loathe

We loathe doing math homework.
She loathes waking up early on weekends.

Note: Like + verb-ing can also express regular or habitual actions. Use it to describe activities you frequently engage in. For example: I like going for a walk after dinner.

Practice

Exercise 1

Choose the correct answer.

1. Choose the correct sentence:

2. Which verb can replace "like" in the sentence: "They ______ hiking in the mountains."

3. Identify the incorrect sentence:

4. I ______ to classical music.

5. What is the gerund form of the verb "dance"?

6. Choose the correct sentence:

7. Choose the correct sentence:

8. Choose the correct sentence:

9. He ______ horror movies.

10. ______ she ______ travelling?

Exercise 2

Complete the sentence/question with the correct form of the verbs in brackets.

1. She (love/read) books before bedtime.

2. They (like/play) football at the local park.

3. We (like/watch) movies on Friday nights.

4. He (not like/eat) spicy food.

5. Do you (like/go) for a walk in the mountains?

6. I (like/listen) to music while studying.

7. He (hate/be) late for school.

8. She (despise/cook) dinner every day.

9. We (enjoy/spend) time with our friends and family.

10. I (like/do) yoga to relax.