Gustar-Like Verbs

Question

When using gustar-like verbs, do you have to use an infinitive verb after the phrase? Ex: Me gusta (infinitive verb?) or can I continue by saying Ex: Me gusta su uso de vocabulario, etc. ? Thanks!

Answer 1

Short answer: No.
Extended answer:The verb gustar is used to tell what you like, so you won't always use a verb. The example you gave is fine. Another example:

Me gusta bailar. (I like to dance.)
Me gusta el baile. (I like dance [in general].)

Answer 2

A little more detail.

• You can use a noun as you did in your example.
• If you follow it with a verb and the person does not change then use the infinitive. I like to read = Me gusta leer.
• If you change persons then insert que and conjugate the second verb. I would like you to do the dishes = Me gustaría que laves lavaras los platos.

Because of "gustaría" (conditional), the complementary phrase should be in past subjunctive "lavaras". To use present tense, we have to say "Quiero que laves ....." - 005faa61, Dec 3, 2013

That darn subjunctive gets me every time. Thanks Julian. - gringojrf, Dec 3, 2013

Answer 3

Me gusta comer - I like to eat Me gusta la comida - I like the food Me gustan las manzanas

Answer 4

If you want to say "I like your use of vocabulary" you can express something similar, and much more commonly used, very easily in the subjunctive mood: "Me gusta que uses vocabulario variado" (I like that you use varied vocabulary)

Have you learned subjunctive yet? If not, you will soon. Subjunctive is typically the expression + que + subjunctive form of verb (most common format is to conjugate in the "yo" form and add opposite ending (paying attention to if it's yo, el, ellos, nosotros etc form), so example usar: uso->use (e because it is an -ar verb, use because we are talking about 'him'). Another example: tener: tengo->tengan (a because it is an -er verb, an because we are talking about 'they/ellos').

How do you know if an expression is subjunctive? There are "trigger" words you will learn. Basically, if it is expressing an emotion or feeling of any kind, impersonal expressions, extreme exaggeration, or is uncertain, it will most likely be subjunctive.

Examples of feelings: Me alegre que, Me gusta que Examples of impersonal expressions: Es importante que, Es necesario que Examples of uncertainty: Dudo que, Nego que, No creo que, No pienso que

There are many other rules for subjunctive but I don't want to trouble you, just give you a quick answer so you know how you can say different things.