leaern to V/learn Ving

[NIN]

Hi!
I wonder what's difference between learn to v and learning ving,e.g. learn to swim and learn swimming.
Could you clarify for me?
Thanks a lot!

[OddThomas]

In general, NIN, it is idiomatic (or natural) to say "to [verb] to [verb]" rather than "to [verb] [verb]-ing."

So, given that, it is better English in general to say "to learn to swim" than "to learn swimming."

It is also better English to say to try to fly, to pretend to sleep, to want to play the violin, to stand to see the soccer goal, and so forth.

It is only in rare cases that the gerund of a verb, the -ing form, will do well as an object of the infinitive and make a sound sentence.

[Bridget]

It is only in rare cases that the gerund of a verb, the -ing form, will do well as an object of the infinitive and make a sound sentence.

Maybe not so rare:

He had to learn tailoring/building/machining/computing/watchmaking/tractor-driving/metal-working/hairdressing/engineering/gardening/imaging/storytelling/seafaring/screenwriting/printmaking/racewalking/nursing/manufacturing/horseshoeing/farming.

[Rusty]

Hi!
I wonder what's difference between learn to v and learning ving,e.g. learn to swim and learn swimming.
Could you clarify for me?
Thanks a lot!
NIN: The Englishpage tutorials here (http://www.englishpage.com/gerunds/index.htm) give information on the use of infinitves and gerunds. Tutorial #3 should be particularly helpful to you.

[NIN]

Thanks for all of your help!:)