[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