Potential and factual meanings contrasted: to-infinitive and -ing clauses
Because the to-infinitive looks forward to the event, it tends to be used when a specific occasion is referred to, often of a future or hypothetical kind, as in I would like to go to Paris. An -ing clause, by contrast, expressing factual meanings, as in I like going to Paris, entails that I have been to Paris, whereas I would like to go to Paris does not.
Emotive verbs such as like, love, hate and prefer (but not enjoy, detest and dislike, which admit only -ing clauses) can establish this distinction clearly.
I like listening to music. I’d like to buy a good stereo.
Most people hate standing in queues. Most car-owners would hate to be without a car.
For many speakers, however, the to-infinitive is a valid alternative in the expression of factual meanings, especially with a notion of habit: I like to cook for my friends.
