What is difference between "I like to cook" and "I like cooking"?

English as a Second Language English Vocabulary, Grammar and Idioms
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:blossom: In the Name of God, the Compassionate, the Merciful. :blossom:

Hi!

I like to cook.
I like cooking.

What is difference between “I like to cook” and “I like cooking”?

Thank you

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I can’t think of a difference.

There is a different phrase:
“I like home cooking.”
“Home cooking” is a style of cooking consisting of basic dishes, probably comfort food “like Mom used to make”. It could be cooked at home or at a restaurant serving that style of food.

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Thank you so much, Arinker :rose:
Very nice.

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Great question!

Both “I like to cook” and “I like cooking” are correct and mean almost the same thing, but there is a slight difference in nuance:

  1. “I like to cook” – This suggests that you enjoy the act of cooking, perhaps as a hobby or choice. It can also imply that you prefer cooking over other options (e.g., eating out).

  2. “I like cooking” – This is more general and emphasizes that you enjoy cooking as an activity in general, without necessarily implying a choice or preference in specific situations.

In everyday conversation, both are often used interchangeably, but if you want to be precise:

  • If you’re talking about a habit or preference (e.g., “I like to cook dinner at home instead of ordering takeout”), “I like to cook” might be more natural.
  • If you’re talking about the activity in a general sense (e.g., “I enjoy cooking because it’s relaxing”), “I like cooking” fits better.

Hope that helps! :blush:

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Cook and cooking can also be idioms. Although it’s not used as often as it was in the past.

It means to do something intensely, very fast, or at a very high level. If an athlete is running a very fast race, someone might say,

“They are really cooking!”.

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Thank you so much, Torsten :rose:
Very nice.

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Thank you so much, NearlyNapping :rose:
Very nice.

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Get to the point, will you? Rezaforu crystal-clearly refers to the activity of preparing meals, not to practicing sports.
I agree with Torsten.

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Neither can I. ‘Home cooking’ is all right, but in my opinion, it doesn’t help Rezaforu at all. Besides, somebody on this forum once said that I was ellitist, he was right, I don’t eat out every day of the week. Very expensive, you know and before you realise it, you’re broke.

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Rezaforu, you’re very kind, but ‘thanks’ is not always necessary. You know we like to help you. Anyway, thank you. :rose::rose::rose:

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