Lesson 05

Here are the rules for using ‘would rather’, ‘would prefer’ and
‘prefer’ correctly. The first table looks at how we can express
general preference; the second shows us how to express
specific preference.

Prefer, would rather:

expressing general preference (‫)التفضيل العام‬

When we talk about general

preferences, we can use prefer or would I prefer walking to cycling.
rather. The meaning is the same. I would rather walk than cycle.

After prefer we use the gerund (the verb I prefer using a keyboard to writing with a
in the -ing form.) pen.
I’d rather use a keyboard than write with a
After would rather we use the infinitive pen.
without to. (I’d = I would)

We say: prefer . . . to . . .
I prefer walking to driving.
We say: would rather . . . than . . . I’d rather walk than drive.

Would prefer, would rather:

expressing specific preference (‫)تفضيل محدد‬

When we speak about a specific We went to the theatre yesterday. Today I

preference, would rather and would would rather go to the cinema.
prefer have the same meaning and are We went to the theatre yesterday. Today I
interchangeable. would prefer to go to the cinema.
Would rather can be abbreviated to 'd
rather.
Would prefer can be abbreviated to 'd I'd rather go to the cinema.
prefer. I'd prefer to go to the cinema.

Would rather is followed by the infinitive

without to.
I'd rather have fruit juice.
Would prefer is followed by to + I'd prefer to have fruit juice.
infinitive or a noun. I'd prefer fruit juice.

We use a past tense after would I'd rather you took a taxi (instead of walking)
rather when we speak about the actions – it's not safe on the streets at night.
of other people, even though that action The film is quite violent. I'd rather our
may be in the present or future. children didn't watch it.

We say: It's such nice weather – I'd rather sit in the

would rather . . . than garden than watch TV.

We say: It's such nice weather – I'd prefer to sit in the

would prefer . . . rather than / instead of garden rather than watch TV.

Task: After the teacher explains everything. Check the table carefully, examine the given
rules and produce examples of your own. (vocabulary-check)