Hate Doing vs. Hate To Do
“Hate” can be followed by either -ing or a to-infinitive, and the difference is usually one of emphasis. The -ing form commonly foregrounds the experience; the to-infinitive can foreground the result or reluctant action.
Both are standard. “Hate doing” often focuses on dislike of the activity itself; “hate to do” can focus on an unwelcome action, result or situation.
Key details
Choose the right form
| Meaning / situation | Form / construction | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| general dislike of an activity or repeated experience | hate + -ing | The -ing form commonly focuses on the activity itself. |
| an unwelcome, specific, or situational action | hate + to-infinitive | The to-infinitive can focus on having to perform or report an action in the situation. |
Quick tests
Meaning / construction test
Are you talking about dislike of the activity in general?
If yes: “Hate doing” is a natural choice.
If no: “Hate to do” can be natural when the focus is the particular or unwelcome action; context decides.
Caveat: Both complements are standard, and the difference is often one of focus rather than a hard grammatical ban.
Examples
I hate waiting in long lines.
The -ing form presents waiting as an activity disliked in general.
I hate to interrupt, but the room is closing.
The to-infinitive presents a specific unwelcome action.
She hates getting up early.
The -ing form focuses on the recurring activity.
Further guidance
Infinitive Emphasis
Use hate + to-infinitive when the emphasis is on an unwelcome action, result or situation rather than only the activity as an experience.
Ing Emphasis
Use hate + -ing when the dislike is directed toward the activity or experience itself.
Would Boundary
With would hate, use a to-infinitive rather than an -ing form.
Sources and evidence
Sources are shown with the role they play in this guide. Historical or style-sensitive claims are kept within the evidence boundary described above.
- Hate, like, love and prefer — Cambridge Grammar (opens in a new tab)Cambridge Dictionary / English Grammar Today · Hate, like, love and prefer with -ing or to-infinitive, including emphasis, habit and regional notes