Prefer and rather than: comparing preferences

The idea

Use prefer A to B with nouns or two forms ending in -ing. Use prefer to do A rather than do B, or would rather do A than do B for a choice.

Examples

• Maya prefers tea to coffee.
• We prefer cycling to driving in the city.
• I prefer to cook rather than order takeaway.
• They would rather stay home than travel tonight.
• Leo prefers working outside to sitting at a desk.
• Would you rather meet on Monday than wait until Friday?

Watch out

Do not put than after prefer when linking two nouns or two -ing forms; use to. After would rather, use the base verb without to.

Try it yourself

1. Choose the correct option. I prefer apples ___ pears. (to / than)

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   to

   to links the two nouns, apples and pears.

2. Choose the correct option. Sam prefers reading ___ watching television. (to / than)

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   to

   to links the two activities expressed with -ing.

3. Choose the correct option. We would rather ___ early than miss the train. (leave / to leave)

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   leave

   leave follows would rather in its base form.

4. Choose the correct option. I prefer to walk rather than ___ a taxi. (take / taking)

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   take

   take matches the base verb after rather than.

Use it today

Describe a general preference and a choice you would make today.