WOULD RATHER, PREFER

We use would rather and (would) prefer to talk about general preferences and specific preferences. They can be used interchangeably. Prefer can be used with or without ‘would’.

When we are talking about general preferences:

Prefer is followed by verb-ing.

I prefer hiking.

Would rather is followed by the bare infinitive (just the verb).

I would rather read.

When we are comparing general preferences we use to with prefer and than with would rather.

I prefer hiking to swimming.

I would rather read than watch a movie.

When we are talking about specific preferences:

Prefer is followed by to + infinitive (to + verb).

I prefer to eat pizza tonight.

Would rather is followed by the bare infinitive (just the verb).

I would rather take a taxi after we eat.

When we are comparing specific preferences we use rather than with prefer and than with would rather.

I prefer to eat pizza rather than seafood tonight.

I would rather take a taxi than a bus after we eat.

Would rather, prefer questions

  1. Would you rather be very beautiful/handsome and poor, or very ugly and rich? Why?
  2. Would you rather be great at painting or programming? Why?
  3. Do you prefer to eat at home or eat at a restaurant? Why?
  4. Would you rather go to the beach or go to the mountains while on vacation? Why?
  5. Do you prefer living in a city or living in the countryside? Why?
  6. Which do you prefer, watching TV or reading books? Why?
  7. Would you rather go to a museum or go to a club? Why?
  8. Do you prefer hotels or hostels? Why?
  9. Would you rather own a cat or a dog? Why?
  10. Would you rather sail around the world or go into space? Why?
  11. Which do you prefer, outdoor work or house work? Why?
  12. Would you prefer to be very intelligent or very clever? Why?
  13. Would you rather own a sports team or a popular restaurant? Why?
  14. Do you prefer going out to parties or enjoying quiet nights at home? Why?
  15. Do you prefer traveling in a tour group or traveling alone? Why?
  16. Would you rather go someplace you know is good or a new place that might be good? Why?
  17. Would you rather save the lives of five people you don’t know or save the life of one person you do know?
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