“Prefer + to V or V-ing” is a small but often confusing grammar point in English, especially for those preparing for the IELTS exam. Although it is just a verb used to express preferences, misunderstanding its structures can lead to unnatural expressions—one of the common reasons candidates lose points in IELTS Speaking and Writing.
In this article, IDP will help you clearly understand how prefer works with to-infinitives and gerunds, along with related structures, practical examples, quick comparison tips, and real IELTS applications.
1. What Does “Prefer” Mean?
Prefer is a verb that means to like something more, to favor, or to choose one thing over another. Unlike “like,” which simply expresses enjoyment, prefer implies comparison between two or more options.
A key feature of prefer is that it almost always appears in specific grammatical structures.
Examples:
I prefer coffee to tea.
She prefers studying at night.
2. Prefer + What? Structures in English
Prefer can be followed by both V-ing (gerund) and to V (infinitive). While both are grammatically correct, they differ in nuance and usage.
2.1. Prefer + V-ing
This structure expresses general preferences or long-term habits, not tied to a specific situation.
Structure: S + prefer + V-ing
Examples:
I prefer studying in the morning.
I prefer drinking tea.
2.2. Prefer + to V
This structure is used to emphasize a specific choice in a particular situation or when a slightly more formal tone is needed.
Structure: S + prefer + to V
Examples:
It’s raining, so I prefer to stay at home tonight.
They prefer to travel by train.
2.3. Quick Comparison Table
Criteria | Prefer + V-ing | Prefer + to V |
|---|---|---|
Usage | General habits, long-term preferences | Specific situations or decisions |
Structure | S + prefer + V-ing | S + prefer + to V |
Tone | Natural, informal | Slightly more formal |
Example | I prefer studying at night. | I prefer to study at home tonight. |
3. Important Extended Structures with Prefer
3.1. Prefer something to something
Used to compare two nouns.
Structure: Prefer + Noun + to + Noun
Examples:
Young people prefer online learning to traditional classes.
Employers prefer experienced candidates to fresh graduates.
3.2. Prefer to V rather than V
Used to compare two actions, often in a more formal context.
Structure: S + prefer + to V + rather than + V
Examples:
I prefer to stay at home rather than go out.
They prefer to travel by train rather than fly.
3.3. Prefer that + clause
A more formal structure, often used in academic writing.
Structure: S1 + prefer + that + S2 + (should) + V
Examples:
Experts prefer that people avoid processed food.
Educators prefer that students be assessed through coursework.
4. Prefer vs Would Prefer vs Would Rather
Although all three express preference, they differ in tone and usage.
4.1. Overview Comparison
Structure | Usage | Form |
|---|---|---|
Prefer | General preferences | Prefer + V-ing / to V |
Would prefer | Specific, polite choice | Would prefer + to V |
Would rather | Strong, direct preference | Would rather + V |
4.2. Detailed Explanation
Prefer (general preference)
I prefer working alone to working in teams.
She prefers classical music to pop.
Would prefer (specific & polite)
I would prefer to take the early flight.
She would prefer to discuss this privately.
Would rather (strong preference)
I would rather walk than take a taxi.
I would rather you told him the truth.
5. Synonyms of “Prefer”
To avoid repetition in IELTS, you can use these alternatives:
be fond of
→ She is fond of vintage shopping.
be keen on
→ I’m keen on second-hand fashion.
be more inclined to
→ I am more inclined to study in quiet places.
opt for
→ Many students opt for cheaper options.
tend to favor
→ Young people tend to favor online learning.
6. Using Prefer in IELTS
6.1. Speaking Part 1
Question: Do you prefer cooking at home or eating out?
Answer: I generally prefer cooking at home to eating out because it’s healthier and more economical. However, when I’m busy, I would rather order food.
6.2. Speaking Part 2
Question: Describe a place you enjoy visiting.
Answer (excerpt): I prefer this place to larger coffee chains because the atmosphere is much more relaxing. I would rather sit among bookshelves than in a noisy café.
6.3. Writing Task 2
Opinion Essay
Young people today prefer living alone rather than with their families.
→ This structure helps present arguments clearly.
Discussion Essay
Some people prefer working for large companies, while others prefer small businesses.
Problem-Solution Essay
Many people prefer driving to using public transport, which causes traffic congestion.
7. Practice Exercises (with Answers)
Exercise 1: Choose correct form
listening / reading
to take / drive
working / collaborating
be submitted
working / commuting
fail / succeed
assessing / giving
Exercise 2: Rewrite sentences
I prefer tea to coffee.
She prefers studying at home to studying in a café.
They prefer to stay at home rather than go out.
I prefer watching movies to reading books.
He prefers to travel by train rather than fly.
Master Prefer to V vs V-ing for IELTS
“Prefer + to V or V-ing” is not difficult once you understand the core difference:
Prefer + V-ing → general preference
Prefer + to V → specific choice
To score higher in IELTS, try to:
vary your sentence structures
combine prefer with other expressions
practice using it in real contexts
If you are planning to take the IELTS test, IDP—a co-owner of IELTS—offers:
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