Expressing Preference in English

Expressing Preference in English

Hello, English learners. Welcome to a new lesson. It is a fact that there is no easy way to learn a foreign language; however, if you are a foreigner living in an English-speaking country, the easiest thing to learn would definitely be conversational English, which is quite the opposite if you are learning it “from a book”. Natural expressions and phrases are simply something you will learn best if you learn them from native speakers who are actual creators of a language. Since it is not always easy and possible, in today’s lesson, we will learn some useful language you can use for expressing preference in English.

• Prefer
• Would prefer
• Would rather
• Rather than

Prefer

We use prefer to say that we like one thing or person more than another. We normally use a ‘to ’ phrase with prefer.

•  I prefer coffee to tea.
• Do you prefer red or white wine?
• Our employees prefer to be paid in foreign currencies.
• Maria has always preferred to see women doctors.
• Michael didn’t go to the football match. He preferred to stay at home.

Would prefer

You can use the phrase would prefer to talk about your preferences, but remember to use the to-infinitive after it.

• I believe that the workers would prefer more flexible working hours.
• Mark offered to give Myra a lift, but she said she would prefer to walk.
• I would prefer it if you didn’t tell anyone about our conversation.
• Would you prefer me to stay or to leave?
• Which would you prefer – a window or an aisle seat?

Would rather

If we say that we would rather do or have something, we mean that we prefer it to something else. In spoken English, would is usually shortened to ‘d.

• I’d rather have juice than water.
• Children would always rather play than do homework.
• I would rather save money on clothes than food if you don’t mind.
• What would you rather have – steak or fish?
• The princess said that she would rather die alone than marry an old man.

Rather than

The phrase rather than is used to contrast two things or situations.

• My grandpa’s preference was for houses rather than flats.
• Nathan needed peace to think rather than loud company.
• The witness’s judgment was based on gossip rather than evidence.
• Wouldn’t it be much better if people cycled rather than drove?
• Clare chose to learn Japanese rather than Chinese.

There are various phrases we can use to express preference. Here are some of them.

• Her name was Ann-Mary, but she would answer more willingly to Ann.
• Her male colleagues were more readily accepting of Samantha than her female colleagues.
• The best hangover cure is going for a walk, preferably in the fresh air.
• Monica loved her life in the country, but she set her heart on moving to London as soon as possible.
• Richard used a fork and knife instead of chopsticks in a Chinese restaurant.
• We can go to a pizzeria, or alternatively, we could go to that new French restaurant.

Click here to learn how to express doubt in English

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