読むのが好きです。

Does that say “(I) like to read,” or am I way off?

And if I’m not off, can I add in other stuff in the noun phrase up front, like:

本を読むのが好きです。
(I) like to read books.

Thanks in advance!

Basically adding that の to the end of a verb makes it the subject/object of your sentence, so you can say anything about that subject.

Like:

[本を読むの] が好きです = I like to read books
[本を読むの] は簡単です = to read books is easy/simple

[ジョニーさんが本を読む] のを見ました = I saw Jonnie read a book

Sounds like you got it, tho! :D

Thinks like ~こと and ~の and… I forgot the other one :P. As I think you can say 読むことがすきです。 Although I guess that makes it more a category than an explicit thing.

ciao…I mean…じゃね ^^

こと = talking about something you aren’t personally involved in or close to. You’d use this when you’re talking about things objectively.

の = talking about something you could be close to, or could be involved with (in some way). You’re a bit more empathetic here.

So, a sentence like 本を読むのが好きです would be more appropriate, because you’re actually involved with reading a book. I guess it could be objectively stated, but most likely not.

If you were talking about someone else enjoying reading a book (where you aren’t involved in their reading of a book) こと would be more appropriate.

Sheepyさんは本を読むことが好きです
Sheepy likes to read books

Maybe you told me you like reading books, so I just relayed that info on to someone else.

So, that overall is the difference, but you’ll see crossover from time to time. I wouldn’t say these rules are as strict as some rules out there, but generally the above differences should hold fairly true.

GRAMMARARRRRRR!

Oh and I just remembered もの also, but I believe that applies to specific verbs and makes it more of an individual noun lol. Like 食べ物 food vs 食べること eating things lol

(and lol that you changed the title)

文法が大好きです。