B2 FIRST · GRAMMAR · PART 4

Preferences: prefer and would rather

Prefer A to B, prefer -ing to -ing, would prefer to, would rather and would sooner … than.

Finn the puffin with glasses and a book, your grammar teacher

Finn says

There are several ways to say what you like more, and each one has its own grammar. Part 4 often asks you to change one into another – so let's compare them side by side.

General preferences

Things you usually like more.

prefer + noun

prefer A to B

I prefer tea to coffee.

prefer + -ing

prefer + -ing + to + -ing

I prefer walking to cycling.

like … more / better than

= prefer

I like tea more than coffee.

In a particular situation

What you want now, or on one occasion.

would prefer

would prefer + to-infinitive (rather than + infinitive)

I'd prefer to stay in tonight.

would rather

would rather + infinitive (than + infinitive)

I'd rather stay in than go out.

would sooner

= would rather

I'd sooner walk than take the bus.

Another person

would rather + someone + past simple

I'd rather you stayed here.

How it comes up in Part 4

In Part 4 you complete the second sentence with the key word, so that it means the same as the first one (2–5 words).

I like reading more than watching TV.
PREFER
I prefer reading to watching TV.

Prefer + -ing + to + -ing.

I'd prefer to take the train.
RATHER
I would rather take the train.

Would prefer to = would rather + infinitive without to.

I'd prefer to cook at home than eat out.
SOONER
I would sooner cook at home than eat out.

Would sooner + infinitive … than + infinitive.

Common mistakes

✗ I prefer tea than coffee.✓ I prefer tea to coffee.Prefer A to B.
✗ I'd rather to stay at home.✓ I'd rather stay at home.No 'to' after would rather.
✗ I'd prefer staying in tonight.✓ I'd prefer to stay in tonight.Would prefer + to-infinitive.

Finn's exam tip

Ask yourself: is it a general preference (prefer) or a particular situation (would rather / would prefer)? Then check the verb form: prefer -ing to -ing, would rather + infinitive, would prefer + to.

Quick check

Complete the second sentence so that it means the same as the first. Use the key word and write 2–5 words.

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