Would rather and would prefer

Rather and Prefer are words used to show a choice from different options. The lesson below shows you how to use rather and prefer.

 

Start with some examples:

Would you rather eat pizza or pasta?

I would rather eat pizza.

Would you prefer to eat pizza or pasta?

I would prefer to eat pizza.

STRUCTURE

The structure of these sentences are the same except for one
small difference:
Would Rather is followed by a base verb and Would Prefer is
followed by an infinitive.

Subject  +  Would  +  Rather  +  Base Verb
I would rather live in a warm country.

I would rather go to a different restaurant.

 

 

Subject  +  Would  +  Prefer  +  To  +  Verb
I would prefer to live in a warm country.

She would prefer to meet on Monday.

Not comes before the verb with both rather and prefer.
I would rather not go to work today.

I would prefer not to play a game.

Take a look at this conversation to see some examples of
would rather and would prefer:

Alex:
Would you rather stay home and cook dinner or go out?
Betty:               
I'd rather go out.  I am pretty tired today, so I don't want to
cook.  What about you?  Would you rather stay in or go out?
Alex:              
I would prefer to stay in, but we can go out if you would like.
Betty:                 
That would be nice.  What type of restaurant would you like to
go to?
Alex:               
I'd prefer to go somewhere quiet.
Betty:               
Really?  Not me.  I would rather go somewhere fun, maybe
even with some live music.
Alex:               
But I thought you were tired?
Betty:               
I am, but not too tired to have some fun.
Alex:               
Well, I'd prefer not to, but…..OK.