I like (it) when you smile.

[diamondcutter]

1. I like when you smile.
2. I like it when you smile.
(Made by me)

I’d like to know if both sentences are correct and have the same meaning.

 

[jutfrank]

They're both grammatical. I think there's a difference in meaning/use.

Before I attempt to explain this difference, can I ask you to explain fully what you actually mean? You might start by thinking about why you don't want to say I like your smile. Think about what exactly it is that you like.

 

[diamondcutter]

Thanks, Jutfrank.

The reason why I made the two sentences is that I read the following passage.

Emma’s ridden a bike since she was five. She rides her mountain bike everywhere, but she enjoys it best when she and her dad go to a special bike trail. They can ride up and down hills and through woods.
(Source: Kid’s Box 6, CUP)

I want to know if she enjoys it best when she and her dad go to a special bike trail could be rewritten as this:
She enjoys when she and her dad go to a special bike trail best.

To make my question simple, I made the two sentences in #1.

 

[Tarheel]

I like the original. I don't like the rewrite. "She likes it best when ...." is pretty standard fare. The rewrite is jarring to me. The words don't seem to be in the right places.
:-|