Affirmative sentences, negative sentences, and questions with prefer. Use of prefer and would prefer in English

'Prefer' and 'would prefer' are often used in English to indicate something that is preferred or liked. 'Prefer' and 'would prefer' mean the same thing, but 'would prefer' is more commonly used in spoken language to indicate a preference for the present or future.

Usage

We use the phrase 'prefer something' to indicate that we to like something or someone better than another.

・I prefer chocolate ice cream.

・They preferred pizza for dinner.

When we indicate that we like to do something, we use the phrases 'prefer doing something' or 'prefer to do something'.

・She prefers to read in the evenings.

・I prefer studying in a quiet environment.

When we indicate that we like something to do more then something else, we use the phrases 'prefer something to something', 'prefer something over something', 'prefer to do something rather than V1'.

・He prefers soccer to basketball.

・He prefers playing soccer to basketball.

・She prefers to watch comedies over dramas.

・She would prefer to go for a walk rather than watch TV.

In spoken language, instead of prefer, 'would prefer' is usually used. After 'would prefer', the infinitive form of the verb (v1) is used.

・I would prefer to watch a movie tonight.

・They would prefer to go for a walk in the park.

Affirmative Sentences

・Mary prefers her coffee black.

・He prefers to exercise in the morning.

・They prefer to go for a walk after dinner.

・They prefer to listen to music while studying.

・I would prefer it if you didn't smoke indoors.

・I would prefer to work from home if possible.

・Anna prefers to wake up early in the morning.

・They prefer sunny weather for outdoor activities.

・I would prefer to go for a walk than watch TV.

・Jenny prefers to use a pen instead of a pencil.

・We prefer to have picnics in the park during spring.

・He would prefer to read a book rather than watch TV.

・They would prefer to meet in the morning rather than the afternoon.

Negative Sentences

・I do not prefer spicy food.

・She does not prefer to stay up late.

・We do not prefer crowded places.

・They do not prefer to use social media.

・I do not prefer to work on weekends.

・Sarah does not prefer horror movies.

・He does not prefer to drive long distances.

・They do not prefer to travel by bus.

・My parents do not prefer to go out on rainy days.

・The children do not prefer to do homework after school.

Interrogative Sentences

・Do you prefer tea or coffee?

・What type of music do you prefer?

・Do you prefer summer or winter?

・Which color do you prefer: blue or green?

・Would you prefer to travel by train or by plane?

・Would Sarah prefer to study alone or in a group?

・Would you prefer to live in a big city or a small town?

・Do you prefer watching movies at home or at the cinema?

・Would you prefer to visit the museum or the art gallery?

・Would you prefer to have the meeting on Monday or Tuesday?