english word usage

Same same

Perhaps there is a slight difference in emphasis: the first expresses pleasure in being with the other person, the second expresses pleasure at sitting with them.

Good one, Con

Other options:

It's nice to be sitting here with you..



It's nice to sit here with you..

It's only a very slight difference, and the expression of what is foremost in our minds by the order in which we say things is a subtle thing which depends on 1. the intention of the speaker to actually convey such a hierarchy of importance 2. the ability of the listener to correctly deduce it. Such is the loose nature of informal speech that an intended ordering by a speaker may be missed, or an unintended one perceived, or very often no such ordering is intended or perceived.

It is nice to be having a drink in this pub with you.

It is nice to be here with you having a drink in this pub.

In the first one a careful speaker might be expressing the thought that the drink, the pub, and you are in descending order of importance, but equally no such thing might be intended.

Nice jubs

The present tense in #2 suggests an habitual sitting place or at least one that has happened a number of times. Number 1 could indicate a first time, at least at a particular location.

3) It would be nice to sit here with you [all the time/everyday/...] .

suggests the speaker is envisioning/envisions a long term relationship.

Hello, Youdruk:

1. One of my books gives these examples:

It is nice SEEING you.
It is nice TO SEE you.

It says that there is not much difference, BUT the -ing may refer to an action; the to- may imply "in general."

*****

2. Another book says that:

a. -ing is "more immediate, more vivid."
b. to - is "more remote, more objective."

THEREFORE, if you are really, really happy to be at the side of your friend, you might consider:

"It's REALLY nice to be SITTING here with you!"


James

My references:

Longman English Grammar
The Grammar Book

It's nice to see some folks using up to date grammars.

Which "The Grammar Book" is that, James?