[mesmark]

This is a problem that's been nagging at me for a while. As native speakers we learn the infinitive of a verb as "to ~" In Japan they teach the infinitive as "~" or "jump" not "to jump" So, they find it easy to teach

I like to + ~.
I want to + ~.

However, I feel it's such a disservice. Especially when we teach just a bit down the road, infinitives for purpose and then active and passive infinitives. They never really get a grasp on what's going on.

I'd like to teach them "to jump"

I like + to ~.
I want + to ~.

but I've learned not to go against the grain too much because rather than helping I just add to the confusion. I have taught most of my younger children my way by just adding a huge pause between like and to. I then over time, run them together naturally. So far, it has been successful.

How are you teaching these? and what are you're thoughts "like to + ~" or "like + to ~"

- Mark

[Eric]

i've always just taught the non-infinitive form. it seems to be less confusing but i see your point about teaching with 'to'.

what happens when you start teaching present continuos? he is jumping. how do they know when to drop the 'to'? and then there might be confusion about the future, he is going to jump.

i guess given those examples, i would choose not to teach the infinitive form.