In the Name of God, the Compassionate, the Merciful.
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 
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:
-
“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).
-
“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! 
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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
Very nice.
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Thank you so much, NearlyNapping
Very nice.
1 Like