PreferencesPreferencesBy: Jerry Benson Sihombing

Difference in MeaningDifference in MeaningPREFERExample: I prefer to drink orange

juice (general likes or dislikes, what we want)

I WOULD PREFER, WOULD RATHERExample: Would you prefer orange

juice or white coffee? (specific likes or dislikes, what we

want)

Difference in FormDifference in FormPREFER and WOULD PREFERS + prefer/ would prefer + to inf/

gerund/ nounWould + S + prefer + to inf/ gerund/

noun + or + to inf/ gerund/ noun?

WOULD RATHERS + would rather + verb base formWould + S + rather + verb base

form?

ExampleExamplePREFER AND WOULD PREFERWould you prefer taking a nap or

going for a walk?Would you prefer to play chess or a

game of cards?Would you prefer a trip to Australia

or a cruise to Alaska?

WOULD RATHERWould you rather watch a talk show

or a movie?

Naming Our Choice (to say Naming Our Choice (to say our choice)our choice)

Would you prefer taking a nap or going for a walk?

I would prefer a walk to a napShe prefers a walk to a nap

Would you rather watch a talk show or a movie?

I would rather watch a movie than a talk show

She would rather watch a movie than a talk

Note on Usage (negative)Note on Usage (negative)Would you prefer taking a nap or

going for a walk?I would prefer notI’d prefer not

Would she rather watch a talk show or a movie?

Thanks, she would rather not, I think

Thanks, I’d rather not