litumi
B1+ · Upper-intermediate15 min

Would rather / would prefer

Syllabus topic 20: Would rather / would prefer

Would rather / would prefer. Would rather takes a bare infinitive; would prefer takes to-infinitive or a noun.

How it works

Would rather takes a bare infinitive; would prefer takes to-infinitive or a noun. Prefer doing to doing compares activities; would rather do than do compares choices. A different subject after would rather uses a past form for present/future preference.

Examples in context

Notice how each form fits its sentence. Read the context before choosing a form.

  • I'd rather travel by train.
  • She'd prefer to stay at home.
  • I prefer walking to driving.
  • I'd rather you asked me first.
  • We'd prefer not to wait.

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I'd rather ___ by train.

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