Use would rather + the base verb, with no to, to pick one of two choices in everyday talk.
would rather: the one you already know
Not ""Lars would rather to take the train." (extra 'to')" — say ""Lars would rather take the train."". After would rather use the base verb with no 'to'.
Try it: Wei: Shall we get the bus to class? Maya: It's a lovely morning. I ___ walk than catch the bus. Choose the words for the blank. (would rather / would rather to / would prefer) Answer: would rather — Would rather takes the base verb with no to: would rather walk.
Word
Pronunciation
Example
would rather
/wʊd ˈræðɚ/
Maya would rather study at Magaff Library than at home.
would rather not
/wʊd ˈræðɚ nɑt/
Sofia would rather not discuss the plan today.
A little more formal: would prefer to
Use would prefer to + the base verb for a specific choice now; it sounds a little more formal than would rather.
Not ""Yasmin would prefer sit near the front." (missing 'to')" — say ""Yasmin would prefer to sit near the front."". Would prefer carries 'to' before the verb, as in 'would prefer to sit'.
Try it: Lars: Shall I book the meeting room for nine? Amina: I ___ start at ten, if that's okay. Choose the words for the blank. (would prefer to / would prefer / would rather to) Answer: would prefer to — Would prefer takes to + the base verb: would prefer to start.
Word
Pronunciation
Example
would prefer to
/wʊd prɪˈfɝ tə/
Amina would prefer to meet after lunch.
would prefer not to
/wʊd prɪˈfɝ nɑt tə/
Hiroshi would prefer not to perform first.
General likes: prefer
Use prefer without would for what you like in general; compare two things with prefer X to Y.
Not ""Diego prefers emails than phone calls." (wrong partner 'than')" — say ""Diego prefers emails to phone calls."". When you compare, prefer pairs with to, not 'than'.
Try it: Diego: Where do you like to study? Lani: I ___ quiet cafes ___ noisy ones. Choose the words for the blanks. (prefer / to / prefer / than / would rather / than) Answer: prefer / to — To compare in general, use prefer X to Y, not than.
Word
Pronunciation
Example
prefer
/prɪˈfɝ/
Lani prefers reading in the morning.
What are the common mistakes?
Incorrect
Correct
Why
"Lars would rather to take the train." (extra 'to')
"Lars would rather take the train."
After would rather use the base verb with no 'to'.
"Yasmin would prefer sit near the front." (missing 'to')
"Yasmin would prefer to sit near the front."
Would prefer carries 'to' before the verb, as in 'would prefer to sit'.
"Diego prefers emails than phone calls." (wrong partner 'than')
"Diego prefers emails to phone calls."
When you compare, prefer pairs with to, not 'than'.