Grade 5 - prefer / would rather

Prefer/ would ('d) rather

• We use I'd rather / I prefer to express a choice / preference.
• I'd rather is short for I would rather.
• I'd rather is ALWAYS followed by a verb (base form). It's NEVER followed by a noun.
• To express a preference, I'd rather is followed by THAN in the affrimative form and by OR in the interrogative form.

• "I prefer" can be followed both by a noun and by a verb.
• To express a preference, I prefer is followed by TO in the affirmative form and OR in the interrogative form.

You can use "RATHER THAN" or "INSTED OF" in affirmative sentencesto talk about different choises . EX1: I prefer being early rather than being too late. EX 2: I prefer coming with you insted of staying here with mum.

BASE FORM OF THE VERB

I'd rather have tea. I'd rather have tea than coffee. Would you rather have tea or coffee?

USE "THAN" IN AFFIRMATIVE SENTENCES TO EXPRESS A PREFERENCE

USE "OR" IN INTERROGATIVE SENTENCES TO EXPRESS AN OPTION.

USE "TO" IN AFFIRMATIVE SENTENCES TO EXPRESS A PREFERENCE

I prefer rock music to pop music. I prefer playing pop music to playing pop music. I prefer to stay in a hotel near the airport . Do you prefer rom-coms or thrillers? Do you prefer going by bus or driving?

USE "OR" IN INTERROGATIVE SENTENCES TO EXPRESS AN OPTION.

"Prefer" is usually followed by verb + ing, but it can be followed by TO + verb as well, when it expresses a specific preference.

"PREFER" CAN BE FOLLOWED BY A VERB + ING / TO + VERB OR BY A NOUN