Using the verbs "to hate", "to like", and "to love"
The verbs hate, love, like, & prefer are usually followed by a gerund when the meaning is general, and by the infinitive when they refer to a particular time or situation. You must always use the infinitive with the expressions would love to, would hate to, etc. These verbs can also be followed by a that-clause or by a noun.
Examples
- I hate to tell you, but Uncle Jim is coming this weekend.
- I hate looking after elderly relatives!
- I hate mushrooms.
- I hate that he lied to you.
- I love dancing.
- I love to dance at the jazz club.
- I would love to dance with you.
- I love ballet.
- I love that you remembered my birthday!