grammar · neutral

prefer + to + base verb

Band 5-6speakingtask2

Use 'prefer + to + base verb' to express a preference to do something (often for specific choices); note 'prefer + V-ing' is also possible with slight nuance.

Examples

“I prefer to study in the morning rather than at night.”

“She prefers to travel by train when she can.”

“We prefer to eat at home on weekdays.”

Band 8 sentence

“I generally prefer to read non-fiction when I'm researching a topic for an essay, as it gives me concrete evidence to cite.”

Collocations

  • prefer A to B
  • prefer + to + V

Common mistakes

I prefer swimming than running.→I prefer swimming to running.

I prefer to go than staying home.→I prefer going to staying home.

Say it for a higher band

5like + V-ing→6prefer + V-ing→7+prefer + to + base verb

Synonyms

would rather

Easily confused

would rather + base verb

“I would rather stay home tonight.”

Related words

have / has + past participlesubject + V(s) (simple present)be about to + base verbbe + V-ingso + adjective/adverb + that + clauseIf + present perfect, will + base verbNot only + clause, but also + clausewill have been + V-ing

Learn this word with the rest of its set, and get reminded at the right time.

In Tenses

Learn it with its set