17/2/23, 14:45 Would rather, would prefer – expressing preference – Test-English

WOULD RATHER, WOULD PREFER – EXPRESSING PREFERENCE

Grammar » B1+ Grammar lessons and exercises » Would rather, would prefer – expressing preference

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Exercises: 1 2 3

Would rather, would prefer – expressing

preference
Exercise 1

Choose the correct option for each gap below.

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Correct answers: 10/10.

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Check your answers:

1 I prefer brown sugar to white sugar.

➪ We can use prefer with to to show the choices we have.

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17/2/23, 14:45 Would rather, would prefer – expressing preference – Test-English

2 I don't want to go out. I'd rather stay home.

➪ We use would rather + infinitive (without to) to talk about preference.

3 I like trekking in the mountains, but I prefer lying on a sandy beach.

➪ We use prefer + noun or -ing verb to talk about general preference,

i.e. what we prefer in general, on every occasion.

4 I'd rather go in December than in May.

➪ We use would rather + infinitive (without to) to talk about preference.

We can use it with than (+noun/infinitive) in affirmative sentences or
with or in questions.

5 I'd rather come with you than stay here alone.

➪ We use would rather + infinitive (without to) to talk about preference.

We can use it with than (+noun/infinitive) in affirmative sentences or
with or in questions.

6 I prefer travelling by bus to travelling by train.

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17/2/23, 14:45 Would rather, would prefer – expressing preference – Test-English

➪ We can use prefer with to to show the choices we have. The word to is

a preposition here, so if we use a verb after to, it should take the -ing form.

7 I usually have tea, but today I'd prefer to have coffee, please.

➪ We use prefer/would prefer + noun or to + infinitive to talk

about specific preference, i.e. what we prefer on a specific occasion.

8 I'd prefer to read for a while rather than watch TV.

➪ We can use prefer/would prefer with rather than or instead of to

show the choices we have.
➪ We use rather than + infinitive without to

9 I'd rather you stayed here with me and the kids.

➪ We use would rather + subject + past simple to refer to the present or

future.

10 She would prefer to stay in a hotel.

➪ We use prefer/would prefer + noun or to + infinitive to talk

about specific preference, i.e. what we prefer on a specific occasion.
➪ We use would rather + infinitive without to.

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