Prefer, Would Rather, Had Better

Prefer, Would Rather, Had Better

Hello, English learners. Welcome to another helpful lesson that will take your English from good to great. Today, we are looking at three little phrases that pack a big punch: “prefer,” “would rather,” “had better.” At first glance, they might seem quite similar—they all help us talk about what we like or what we think someone should do. But each one has its own special flavour and use, especially at B2 and C1 levels.

Understanding the subtle differences between these expressions will help you sound more natural and fluent in conversation, make your opinions clear and polite, and give advice with confidence, just like native speakers do.

In this lesson, we will examine each expression in detail, using clear structures, practical examples, and common mistakes to avoid. Whether you are preparing for an exam or simply want to improve your everyday English, this guide will provide the clarity you need.

PREFER

“Prefer” is used to express a general or habitual preference.

Structure:

prefer + noun + to + noun

prefer + verb-ing + to + verb-ing

prefer + to + base verb (more formal)

“Prefer” is used for general likes or routines. Often refers to long-term preferences or things in general.

• I prefer tea to coffee.
• She prefers swimming to running.
• They prefer staying in on Friday nights.
• I prefer to read in the morning rather than in the evening.
• Do you prefer eating out or cooking at home?

Note:

Use “to” for comparisons. For activities, use verb-ing, not the infinitive after the comparison word.

WOULD RATHER

We use “would rather” to express a specific preference (especially now or in a particular situation)

Structure:

would rather + base verb (same subject)

would rather + subject + past simple (different subject → subjunctive)

It is used for specific moments or temporary preferences. It is slightly more informal than “prefer” and common in conversation.

Examples (same subject):

• I would rather stay at home tonight.
• She would rather not talk about it.
• We would rather wait until tomorrow.

Examples (different subjects):

• I would rather you stayed at home tonight. (= I want you to stay at home.)
• He would rather she didn’t come to the meeting.
• They would rather you arrived on time.

Compare with “prefer”:

I prefer working alone. (general)

I would rather work alone today. (specific)

HAD BETTER

“Had better” is used to give strong advice or warning (with a sense of urgency or consequence)

Structure:

had better + base verb

had better not + base verb

It is used for telling someone what’s best to do in a situation, often with a hint of danger, urgency, or negative result if the advice is ignored.

• You had better study for the exam. (If you don’t, you might fail.)
• We had better leave now or we’ll miss the train.
• She had better not forget her passport.
• I had better call my mum before she worries.
• He had better be careful with what he says.

Note:

It is not a past form! Despite the “had,” it refers to the present or future.

Common mistakes

❌ I prefer eat pizza to burgers.

✅ I prefer eating pizza to burgers.

❌ I would rather to go now.

✅ I would rather go now.

❌ You better not be late. (common in informal speech, but grammatically incorrect)

✅ You had better not be late.

Tip:

“Would rather” can be contracted:

I’d rather, you’d rather, we’d rather…

Use “not” before the verb to make it negative:

I’d rather not go out tonight.

“Prefer” can also take clauses:

I prefer it when people are honest.

Do the quiz to perfect your knowledge:

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