Expressing Preferences
• What is preference?
• What are the common expressions
we need to use for expressing our
preference?
• Rules of using these expressions
What is preference ?
It is the way we talk generally about
likes, dislikes, or what we want.
Example
He prefers reading books.
I prefer going to the beach than
going to a swimming pool.
Expressions to talk about preference
Prefer
Rather
would prefer
would rather
Than
Like
Dislike
Would prefer…than
Would rather …than
Example
1) I'd rather write this than print it.
2) Would you rather go shopping with me?
3) I prefer to get a taxi rather than walk home.
4) I rather wait a few minutes than leave now.
5) I'd prefer to eat at home rather than go to a
restaurant.
6) I like to read read a book than watch
television.
Rules on how to use
preference expressions
1. The expressions 'would prefer'
and 'would rather', to be a little
more specific meanings .
Example
• I would prefer to see him in
person.
• I would rather go home now.
.
2.would prefer, prefer +verb –ing
Examples
• I prefer living in a city.
(Followed by the gerund)
I prefer living on my own.
.
3.would prefer, prefer +
infinitive with to.
Examples
• I'd prefer to get a taxi rather
than walk home.
• I would prefer to go to the
movie.
.
4.would rather + infinitive with out to.
Examples
• Would you rather stay at a hotel?
(Followed by the base form of the
verb; the verb without 'to'.
• I'd rather visit ancient places than go
to new buildings. Followed by the base
form of the verb; the verb without
'to'.
.
5. Would rather+ perfect tense
Example
• I'd rather have stayed
at home.
