How to use would rather, would prefer and prefer correctly.i
Would rather vs. would prefer - to express a specific preference | ||
When we speak about a specific preference, would rather and would prefer have the same meaning and are interchangeable.i |
We went to the theatre yesterday. Today I would rather go to the cinema.i We went to the theatre yesterday. Today I would prefer to go to the cinema.i |
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Would rather can be abbreviated to ' I'd rather.i Would prefer can be abbreviated to 'III'd prefer.i |
I'd rather go to the cinema today.i I'd prefer to go to the cinema today.i |
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Would rather is followed by the bare infinitive. i Would prefer is followed by to + infinitive.i |
I'd rather have water.i I'd prefer to have fruit juice. i |
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We use a past tense after would rather when we speak about the actions of other people, even though that action may be in the present or future.i |
I'd rather you took a taxi than walk - it's not safe on the streets at night.i The film is quite violent. I'd rather our children didn't watch it. i |
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When making a comparison we say:i would rather ... than |
It's such nice weather - I'd rather sit in the garden than watch TV. i | |
After would prefer we say:i would prefer ... rather than |
It's such nice weather - I'd prefer to sit in the garden rather than watch TV. i |
Prefer vs. would rather - to express a general preference | ||
When we talk about general preferences we can use prefer or would rather. The meaning is the same. i | I prefer walking to cycling.i I'd rather walk than cycle. i |
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After prefer we use the verb in its ing form.i After would rather we use than.i |
I prefer using a keyboard to writing with a pen. I'd rather use a keyboard than write with a pen. i |