Prefer and would rather

These expressions are used to talk about preferences. 'Prefer' can describe general likes and choices. 'Would rather' (and 'would prefer') express specific preferences, often for a particular moment or option. Pay attention to the verb forms that follow each expression.

• 'Prefer' + noun / 'prefer' + -ing: for general preferences (I prefer tea to coffee; I prefer working from home).
• 'Prefer' + to + infinitive: also possible to state a general preference (I prefer to arrive early).
• 'Would rather' + bare infinitive: for present/future personal preference (I would rather wait).
• 'Would rather' + past simple: for a preference about someone else's action (I'd rather you came earlier).
• 'Would rather' + have + past participle: to express a past regret or preference (I'd rather you had told me).

Choose the correct verb form depending on the expression:

• After 'prefer' you can use a noun, the -ing form, or 'to' + infinitive.
• Use 'prefer X to Y' when comparing two options (X and Y can be nouns or -ing forms).
• Use 'would rather' + bare infinitive for your own present/future preference.
• Use 'would rather' + past simple to talk about someone else's action in the present.
• Use 'would rather' + have + past participle for past preferences/regrets.

When unsure, decide whether you're comparing general options (prefer) or expressing a specific/polite preference (would rather / would prefer).

Watch out for these universal errors learners make with prefer/would rather:

• Mixing gerund and infinitive forms without checking the structure (e.g., 'prefer to doing').
• Using 'to' after 'would rather' (incorrect: 'would rather to go').
• Using present tense instead of past after 'would rather' when referring to someone else's action (should use past simple).
• Confusing 'would prefer' and 'would rather' in terms of politeness and formality — choose based on context.
• Incorrect comparison connectors: use 'prefer X to Y' or 'would rather A than B', not 'prefer X than Y'.

Focus on the structure that follows each expression; small form errors change meaning or make sentences ungrammatical.