Like going or like to go?

When we talk about visiting places, or doing activities, in English, we often use the verb “like“. But which verb form should we use after like? Is it better to say like going or like to go?

In fact, you can use both going OR to go after the verb like. In some cases, the meaning of both forms is the same or very similar. However, like going (-ing form) often expresses enjoyment, while like to go (to infinitive) refers to general preferences.

Compare meanings

“I like going out.” = Going out is an activity I enjoy. I’m just telling you that I enjoy going out. My focus is on enjoying this activity.

“I like to go out at weekends.” = You already know I enjoy going out. I’m telling you that I prefer to do this activity at weekends (not on weekdays). My focus is on how (or when) I prefer to do this activity.

Like going – meaning (enjoy)

Usually, when we say we “I like going….”, we’re just saying “I feel happy when I visit this place“. In other words, we are only talking about the action (e.g. going to work). We could also say “I enjoy going…”, too, and the meaning would be the same:

“I like going to London.” = “I enjoy visiting London”.

We can also use “like going” for some sports or leisure activities. Again,

“I like going swimming.” = “I enjoy (going) swimming.”
“I like going jogging.” = “I enjoy (going) jogging.”
“I like going out for meals.” = “I enjoy going out for meals”.

Here are some examples of “like going” with negative forms and adverbs. Again, the focus is on the action or activity only:

“I don’t like going to London.” = “I hate visiting London”.
“I really don’t like going to London, at all.” = “I absolutely hate visiting London”.
“I don’t much like going jogging.” = “I don’t really enjoy (going) jogging.”

Like to go – meaning (preference)

However, when we say, “I like to go to London…”, we are usually talking about a general choice or preference. With “like to go” phrases, the extra information is important:

“I like to go to London in the winter.” = “I prefer to visit London in the winter”. (not the summer)
“I like to go to work on a full stomach.” = “I generally prefer not to go to work feeling hungry.”
“I like to go swimming when the pool is quiet.” = “I prefer going swimming when it’s quiet.” (not busy)

We often use frequency adverbs in “like to go” phrases:

“I often like to go to London in the winter.”
“I usually like to go to work on a full stomach.”
“I don’t generally like to go swimming when the pool is busy.”

Here are some examples of negatives with “like to go”:

“He doesn’t like to drive without the SATNAV” = “she prefers not to drive if she doesn’t have the SATNAV
“She doesn’t like to be late “ =
“I generally like to go swimming when the pool is quiet.”

Example dialogue comparing “like going” and “like to go”

A – So, what kinds of things do you usually get up to at weekends, then? (get up to = do)
B – Well, I’m not really into sports, and I don’t much like going jogging or swimming, but I really like going for long walks in the countryside.
A – So, you’re into the whole hiking thing then, are you?
B – Well yeah, I’m not sure I’d say I was a hiker as such, ‘cos I really hate the cold. I like to go out when the weather’s nice. That’s the only time I tend to venture outdoors, you know.
A – And what about shopping? Are you a fan of shopping?
B – Yeah, I like going shopping on the whole. I just wish I could afford to go more often.
A – Any stores you’d recommend?
B – Well, I’m not keen on the really big stores like H+M – I generally like to go to the smaller shops and boutiques, you know?